… Says activities of the general election has overshadowed National Census
By Palma Ileye
Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Dr Garba Abari has called on Nigerians to give the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy on the Naira Redesign a chance to work.
Abari made the call yesterday at the Press briefing on the interventions of Naira redesign Policy, Voters education, forthcoming 2023 General Elections and National Housing and Population Census held in Abuja.
He said that from the feedback received from its field officers, it was gathered that a large number of Nigerians have wrong perception of the new naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
He noted that the naira redesign will have huge impact for Nigerians living in the communities, especially those living where banks do not operate and those without internet access.
He said: “It was observed that there were large number of people who misconceived or have wrong perception of the New Naira Redesign Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria. There is the need to redouble efforts towards creating more awareness on the policy. Some people were of the opinion that time allocated for the change of New Naira notes is insufficient and many people can’t meet the deadline.
“The policy is aimed at strengthening the economy as the naira redesign has since been overdue which usually is 5-8 years and this will bring the following intended benefits; Discourage massive cash system where about 3 trillion naira are said to be outside the banking system; Reduced inflation against foreign currencies; Curb Corruption and ease the tracing of questionable transactions; Check counterfeiting; Block possibility of demanding for huge sums for ransom and other illicit transactions.
“Strengthen the Economy and enhance CBN visibility on money supply; Reduce expenditure on cash management; Promote financial inclusion as well as Comply with universal standard for periodic redesign of currencies.
“Commercial banks were not issuing the new Naira notes to the public as a result most People in the rural areas said they were yet to see the New redesigned Naira notes. People expressed concern over the non availability of the new Naira notes in circulation which in turn affected their businesses.
“It was also observed that before the deadline, some people have commenced the rejection of old Naira notes which is contrary to the Central Bank directives. Members of the public observed that the Banks were still issuing the old Naira notes to customers.”
The Director-General further said there was the need to redouble efforts towards creating more awareness on the naira redesign policy.
Speaking on the state of readiness for the forth coming polls, the NOA boss stated that political violence and disturbances has become part of history in the country.
Further disclosing that the ongoing political events of 2023 general election was overshadowing the census awareness but the strategy is to continuously sensitize Nigerians on the exercise.
“As you are aware, these three are, presently, the dominant programmes of government that have far reaching implications for our political, economic and social development as a nation. As the primary agency of the Federal Government that has the mandate to explain government policy directives, we continue to engage with the media and other stakeholders.
“We have remained consistent in our social communication strategy by sending out messages of peace. Infact, going by the history of elections, political violence and disturbances has become part of that history.
“Leaflets and jingles promoting peace and order have been sent out to various opinion leaders especially, the traditional and religious leaders to prevail on their supporters to shun violence. One of the leaflets ‘Say No To Election Violence’ has been translated into pidgin, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa languages.
“The second one, ‘Lets live together in Peace’. Our state and local government officers have been directed to include messages of peace in any sensitization outreach in their areas of operation.
“As part of the effort to promote peace during the election, the Agency orgainsed a successful political parties summit with objective of sensitise parties on the need to comply with new electoral act, discourage electoral violence and promote electoral security. The well attended summit had representation from all the 18 political parties participating in the coming election,” he explained.
Abari also stated that the National Orientation Agency has understood the need to constantly interprete and explain government policies and programme for the benefit of the people whom these policies were meant to serve, noting that, “Our mandate is very clear to communicate government policies, programmes and activities and mobilise support and buy for these programmes. We are also aware of our role in promoting values that sustain decent civilisation.”
He also appealed to the Media not to relent in serving the nation adding that, “NOA is one of your natural partners in the task of building a democratic, free and progressive.”
