Nigeria’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has introduced a plan to use technology like Global Positioning System (GPS) to give out fuel subsidy palliatives and other poverty reduction provisions to the citizens throughout the country.
Speaking exclusively to ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Edu shared the government’s ambitious vision to collaborate with the private sector and development partners to eradicate poverty in the country.
Edu’s innovative approach stems from her experience in successful immunization programs in Cross Rivers State and other regions.
She emphasized the need to rethink conventional logistics methods, asserting that gathering individuals at specific points for palliative collection is inefficient.
Instead, Edu proposes a door-to-door delivery model that utilizes modern technology to ensure precise and accountable distribution.
Use of Technology
“In relation to the palliatives, we need to rethink the logistics. This way, they can acknowledge receipt by signing, and we can be assured that these families have indeed received the assistance.
“Modern technology, such as GPS, can precisely determine the location of recipients, ensuring that the items are accurately delivered to the intended destinations. It’s a matter of utilizing GPS technology and not necessarily relying on house numbering,” Edu stated.
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The basis of Edu’s strategy is the utilization of GPS technology to enable pinpoint accuracy in delivering poverty alleviation items.
Recipients’ locations will be tracked, guaranteeing that aid reaches its intended destinations.
Edu also unveiled plans to establish an accessible and transparent social register of Nigerian citizens.
The database will be made available to the public, promoting accountability and enabling citizens to actively participate in monitoring poverty alleviation efforts.
Humanitarian Affairs Minister on Collaborative Approach
“Our primary objective is to validate the social register. We need to establish a comprehensive database that will serve as the foundation for our work, and we intend to make this information transparent and accessible to Nigerians, enabling them to hold us accountable,” Edu explained.
Moreover, Edu revealed that President Bola Tinubu is committed to eradicating poverty and will collaborate with key stakeholders over the next few weeks to determine the precise figures for assistance to each individual or family participating in the poverty alleviation initiative.
“We have a comprehensive plan outlined according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
“The blueprint has been thoroughly developed; however, its successful implementation depends on adapting and refining it based on the specific context in which it will be executed.
“Our approach will be collaborative, involving all levels of Nigerian society.
“We’ll ensure that the register is verified and updated, and individuals who don’t meet the established criteria will be excluded from the list,” Edu concluded.
