Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development Bill

Presented by Senator Prince Ned Nwoko

Preamble:

An Act to address the pervasive issue of poverty in Nigeria by providing comprehensive measures for rural development and economic empowerment, aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and improving the standard of living for citizens in rural areas.

Whereas, it is recognized that poverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where access to basic amenities and economic opportunities is limited, and

Whereas, addressing poverty and promoting rural development are critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, creating a more equitable society, and reducing inequality, and

Whereas, the government has a responsibility to implement targeted policies and initiatives to uplift the living conditions of citizens in rural areas, and

Whereas, the lack of economic opportunities and infrastructure in rural areas is a major factor contributing to poverty and underdevelopment, and

Whereas, it is imperative to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve access to education and healthcare, and facilitate the development of rural infrastructure to support economic growth and social well-being in these communities.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of Nigeria in National Assembly assembled.

Section 1: Definitions
a) "Rural Area" shall mean any area located outside urban centers with limited access to basic infrastructure and services.
b) "Poverty Alleviation" shall refer to the reduction and eradication of poverty through targeted measures and programs aimed at improving the economic well-being of affected individuals and communities.
c) "Rural Development" shall refer to the process of improving the living conditions, economic opportunities, and infrastructure in rural areas to promote sustainable growth and development.

Section 2: Establishment of Rural Development Fund
a) There shall be established a Rural Development Fund, which shall be dedicated to financing projects and initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, social welfare, and infrastructure improvement in rural areas.
b) The Fund shall be administered by a designated government agency or commission responsible for rural development, with oversight by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Section 3: Poverty Alleviation Programs
a) The government shall implement targeted poverty alleviation programs specifically designed for rural areas, focusing on creating sustainable livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and providing access to financial and technical support for small-scale farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in rural communities.
b) The programs shall include capacity-building initiatives, vocational training, and access to credit facilities, aimed at empowering individuals and communities to generate income and improve their standard of living.
c) Special emphasis shall be placed on women and youth empowerment initiatives to promote gender equality and youth inclusion in rural development efforts.

Section 4: Agricultural Development and Support
a) The government shall prioritize the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, improved access to agricultural inputs, and the establishment of market linkages for smallholder farmers in rural areas to enhance productivity and income generation.
b) Support shall be provided for the development of agribusiness clusters, rural cooperatives, and food processing facilities to add value to agricultural produce and create employment opportunities in rural communities.
c) Research and extension services shall be strengthened to enhance the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and practices, and to promote climate-resilient farming methods to mitigate the impact of climate change on rural livelihoods.

Section 5: Rural Infrastructure Development
a) The government shall allocate resources for the construction and rehabilitation of rural infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply systems, and electrification projects, to improve access to essential services and facilitate economic activities in rural areas.
b) Priority shall be given to underserved and remote rural communities with limited access to basic infrastructure, with the aim of bridging the rural-urban development gap and promoting inclusive growth.
c) The development of rural markets, storage facilities, and agro-processing hubs shall be supported to enhance market access and value addition for rural produce.

Section 6: Access to Education and Healthcare
a) The government shall ensure the provision of quality education and healthcare services in rural areas, including the construction and equipping of schools, healthcare facilities, and the deployment of qualified teachers and healthcare professionals to underserved rural communities.
b) Scholarships, bursaries, and incentives shall be provided to encourage rural students to pursue higher education and vocational training, with a focus on building the human capital necessary for sustainable rural development.

Section 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
a) A designated government agency or commission shall be responsible for monitoring the implementation and impact of poverty alleviation and rural development programs, and shall regularly evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives in achieving their intended objectives.
b) Annual reports shall be submitted to the National Assembly, detailing the progress, challenges, and outcomes of poverty alleviation and rural development efforts, to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of resources and the effectiveness of government interventions in rural areas.

Section 8: Funding
a) The Federal Government shall allocate a specific percentage of its annual budget to support poverty alleviation and rural development initiatives, as well as seek external funding and partnerships to supplement domestic resources for rural development projects and programs.
b) State and local governments shall also be encouraged to allocate a portion of their budget to support rural development efforts within their respective jurisdictions, in alignment with the national priorities and strategies for poverty alleviation.

Section 9: Coordination and Collaboration
a) Collaborative efforts shall be promoted among relevant government ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure coordinated and coherent implementation of poverty alleviation and rural development interventions, leveraging the strengths and resources of diverse actors to maximize impact and sustainability.
b) Public-private partnerships, civil society engagement, and community participation shall be actively encouraged to foster ownership and sustainability of rural development initiatives, and to ensure the relevance and responsiveness of interventions to the needs and aspirations of rural communities.

Section 10: Legal Framework and Enforcement
a) This Act shall serve as the legal framework for poverty alleviation and rural development efforts in Nigeria, and shall be enforced by relevant government institutions and authorities responsible for rural development and social welfare.
b) Any person or entity found to contravene the provisions of this Act shall be liable to penalties as prescribed by applicable laws and regulations.

Section 11: Repeal and Savings
a) Any existing laws, regulations, or policies that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act shall be repealed or amended accordingly to align with the objectives and principles of this legislation.

Section 12: Commencement
a) This Act shall come into force on the date of its publication in the official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development Bill seeks to address the multifaceted challenges of poverty in rural areas by providing a comprehensive framework for targeted interventions and sustainable development initiatives. By prioritizing rural infrastructure, agricultural development, education, healthcare, and livelihood support, this legislation aims to create an enabling environment for inclusive growth and enhanced well-being for all citizens, especially those residing in underserved rural communities. It is the hope of the distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko representing Delta North senatorial District that this Bill will receive the support of honorable members of the Senate, and contribute significantly to the transformation of rural Nigeria and the upliftment of its citizens from poverty to prosperity.

Godwin Obire
SA on Political & Legislative Matters to Senator Prince Ned Nwoko Delta North Senatorial District, Delta State Nigeria

Hmm

I want to believe this is a joke .
The idiot is putting the cart before the horse.
Is it the alternatives that is responsible for the epileptic power supply.
How can he not know that once stable power supply is achieved, that the alternatives will naturally disappear.

What a stupid man. Does he not use generator in his house?? Group of idiots

Crazy Bill!

This man should be recalled immediately.

This would actually improve electricity

But instead of prohibition I think tax should be used

Ned nwoko... Wey resemble iya ramota papa...

See what's happening in delta state.... Yeye useless senator

mrvitalis:
This would actually improve electricity

But instead of prohibition I think tax should be used

Are you okay!

The bill is welcome as long the prohibition will start from politicians house hold. They can't stay without power but common citizens can manage.

Elliotwaveforec:

Are you okay!

Yes sir I'm ok it's not easy to think outside the box u get

But if they ban all this people the pressure on the government for constant electricity would increase which would lead to more investment and generally improved power

It unconventional yes but would it work? Yes sir

This looks like what a typical Nigerian politician can propose but where can we find more links to this news have searched google and can’t find it or is he scared to stand behind his bill and publish his proposal for the world to see.

Maybe you are from another planet ,the Nigeria population is the problem of Nigeria, they lack information and capacity to reason.

That said do you know government around the world would give you tax breaks and loans if you want to go solar ?

mrvitalis:
This would actually improve electricity

But instead of prohibition I think tax should be used

jaytimeo:
Maybe you are from another planet ,the Nigeria population is the problem of Nigeria, they lack information and capacity to reason.

That said do you know government around the world would give you tax breaks and loans if you want to go solar ?

Sure I know that and solar is cheap

With a mere $20k you can go completely off grid in Nigeria

That can get you about 30kva inverter plus 75 to 100 KWH battery storage that's enough to power a 5 bedroom duplex for 10 years

I think you are sick ,and need to go for check up ,do you think electricity has reached all part of Nigeria or let’s even use the world.

Ever heard of those Off-the-grid ?or have you heard of those that go boondocking ,so if you go camping you’re not allowed to carry your generator ,if you need power in your farm you not allows to use generator?

The people that sponsors this bill are doing it for a reason not in the interest of the masses they want to strangulate the masses to an extent that they would beg for death.

mrvitalis:

Yes sir I'm ok it's not easy to think outside the box u get

But if they ban all this people the pressure on the government for constant electricity would increase which would lead to more investment and generally improved power

It unconventional yes but would it work? Yes sir

Haha madness in action!
Let them try it joor, it will speed up the revolution in this country!

jaytimeo:
I think you are sick ,and need to go for check up ,do you think electricity has reached all part of Nigeria or let’s even use the world.

Ever heard of those Off-the-grid ?or have you heard of those that go boondocking ,so if you go camping you’re not allowed to carry your generator ,if you need power in your farm you not allows to use generator?

The people that sponsors this bill are doing it for a reason not in the interest of the masses they want to strangulate the masses to an extent that they would beg for death.

Let me break it down ... Firstly I'm off grid factory house and all

The idea us simple we are more likely going to get power if all of us don't have power no matter how powerful u are

Than if the rich have power and only the poor and powerless aee demanding for power

If you don't get it now I can't help u

Doesn’t make sense to me at all ,what if there’s a catastrophe natural or man made disaster and everyone is plunged into darkness, let’s say someone hijackers the national grid ,what happens these are real issues that are discussed in the USA and other nations that are proactive .

mrvitalis:

Let me break it down ... Firstly I'm off grid factory house and all

The idea us simple we are more likely going to get power if all of us don't have power no matter how powerful u are

Than if the rich have power and only the poor and powerless aee demanding for power

If you don't get it now I can't help u

jaytimeo:
Doesn’t make sense to me at all ,what if there’s a catastrophe natural or man made disaster and everyone is plunged into darkness, let’s say someone hijackers the national grid ,what happens these are real issues that are discussed in the USA and other nations that are proactive .

Because it's called national grid doesn't mean it should be centralized

Yes if there is a natural or man made issues it would be fixed faster if we are all affected than if it's only the poor

How long do you think it would take to fix a blown high tension cable in the forest ?

If there’s an hijacker how long do you think it would take to negotiate and restore power ?

If a substation is blown out how long would it take to rebuild it ?

Why don’t you desire a competitive environment, we can see the effect of monopoly on cement is that what you want for the power industry,if it’s cheaper for someone to acquire and use solar why deprive them the opportunity? Just because of inefficiency and corruption people should be denied what they can afford .
This bill would empower the power company to squeeze life out of the consumer or the masses.

mrvitalis:

Because it's called national grid doesn't mean it should be centralized

Yes if there is a natural or man made issues it would be fixed faster if we are all affected than if it's only the poor

Black man that can’t manage power he would abuse the power when the opportunity arises for example nepa staff , if you see where they oppress the masses is that the kind of people you want us to give absolute power to manger electricity,he would use it as a weapon against the weak , power should not be left to one individual. institution or organization especially when a black man or African is in charged of running it .

People should have multiple options to build healthy competition, if one is not comfortable with the billing he’s getting from his power company he should have the option of generating his electricity and managing it himself according to his capacity no one should be forced or coerced to get energy from one particular source .

Who really is this man loyal to, Nigeria and Nigerians or a satanic secret society ? First he advocates for gun rights in a charged country like Nigeria when a simple tweaking of the security architecture that would make it difficult for politicians to impede investigations and prosecution is all that was needed making work easier for our security operatives and now he's coming for the only reliable sources of electricity those who can afford it have in Nigeria. Have you heard anywhere in the world where governments go after solar panels rather than encouraging citizens to go off-grid ? A country where steady electricity cannot be guaranteed for the next fifty years from today ? God forbid our politicians walahi. Please if this man doesn't know what he's looking for in Abuja, he should go back to his village and book a Thai massage for him and Regina

mrvitalis:

Yes sir I'm ok it's not easy to think outside the box u get

But if they ban all this people the pressure on the government for constant electricity would increase which would lead to more investment and generally improved power

It unconventional yes but would it work? Yes sir

It would not.

If you ban all alternatives, it'll put too much pressure on the national grid, which will make power more epileptic.

And by the time government will fix it, you would have ended up destroying the economy.

mrvitalis:

Yes sir I'm ok it's not easy to think outside the box u get

But if they ban all this people the pressure on the government for constant electricity would increase which would lead to more investment and generally improved power

It unconventional yes but would it work? Yes sir

What are you saying?

So those who provide their own electricity or augment the power supply are responsible for the poor electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria?

IamAtikulate:

It would not.

If you ban all alternatives, it'll put too much pressure on the national grid, which will make power more epileptic.

And by the time government will fix it, you would have ended up destroying the economy.

Do not mind the guy.

Ned Nwoko is a senator. His job is to checkmate the executive and not the masses. Nigeria is indeed ruled by foolish peeps.

IamAtikulate:

It would not.

If you ban all alternatives, it'll put too much pressure on the national grid, which will make power more epileptic.

And by the time government will fix it, you would have ended up destroying the economy.

Do not mind the guy you quoted.

Ned Nwoko is a senator. His job is to checkmate the executive and not the masses. Nigeria is indeed ruled by foolish peeps

COMRADES, the sponsor of this bill is a motherfvcker, this is the reason why the man no know anything apart from following the nyash of small small girls

What kind of nonsense is this? Since morning I dey house no NEPA light, God now bless me with small money I come buy fuel put for my generator and forget about my sorrow and then someone should tell me that it is crime, how?

Are we making any headway at all in this country?

Abeg, this useless bill should not be allowed to see the light of the day

What did l just read ? At a time like this is ?

Just look at the stupid reasoning of a senator. How is alternative the source of power shortage.instead of on the government monopoly on power with their national grid. You will come and tell us who burns fuel if there is light

Dumbest thing I’ve read. It’s okay to ban generators for sure… that’s long over due, but ban on other alternatives like solar by an individual??

Government across the world are discounting and subsidizing use of solar by private homes to reduce pressure on their national grid, my country is going the opposite direction. The US for example gives 30% of total cost back to an individual or business that installed solar on their home.

How do we keep voting in regressive policy makes sef 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

It is easier for Nigeria to be balkanized by the Act of the National Assembly than for this bill to pass as it is. Imagine telling politicians not to provide their electricity and to rely on NEPA.

Where has it happened?

Ned Nwoko reasoning dey always scare me

He once talked about passing the bill for individuals to own a lincensed gun


He is 60+ and he wants Nigeria to stop existing when he's gone

This man's family need to give him attention. I think that small girl has mixed concoction for him to drink that is touching his brain. Except this is some elaborate joke aimed at national amusement, then I think this fella has issues with his braincells.