Kaduna State Security Council has adopted three emergency palliative measures to last for a week as part of effort to mitigate the impact of cash shortage on citizens of the state.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the state governor on Media and Communication, Mr Muyiwa Adekeye says the palliative will start from Wednesday, 22nd February 2023.
The statement explains that, the State Government will provide free transport services along designated routes in Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria and it will be done in partnership with the transport unions, who will provide the buses and tricycles.
According to the statement, the measures are designed to provide immediate relief to the problems caused by the lack of cash for services like transportation, health care, and for necessities like food.
It states that, the council also adopted Provision of palliatives, as was done during the response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The statement noted that Kaduna State public health system would also offer free routine care in government hospitals for common illnesses like malaria and typhoids as well as free care for pregnant women and children younger than five years.
It also revealed that, for person to access the services, they must present their National Identity Number or the Kaduna State Residency Card, issued by the State Residents Identity Management Agency.
“Kaduna State Security Council met today in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House to discuss the security situation in the State and the preparations for the elections. Participants at the meeting, chaired by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, included the heads of the federal security agencies deployed in the state, royal fathers and officials of the state government.
During the meeting, Security agencies also briefed the council on the steps they are taking to secure the elections and the efforts being made to maintain law and order in the state.
They also noted the improvements in the security situation since operations were launched against the bandits late in 2022.
“The meeting discussed the cash crunch, and its severe impact on citizens welfare, trade and economic activities. It noted that managing the situation had necessitated the diversion of some security personnel from vital field operations to guarding key financial assets”
The Council commended the security agencies for strengthening the state government’s efforts to ensure that citizens remain calm, peaceful and of lawful conduct amidst the challenges.
The Security Council took recommendations on ways of mitigating the impact of the cash shortage on citizens.
The statement maintained that, It was important for government to seek ways of relieving human suffering.
AMINU DALHATU
