Former Minister of National Planning, Prince Clement Agba, has said that the Federal Government should not be blamed for multidimensional poverty in the country.
Agba made the statement while delivering a presentation at the Honourary National Steering Committee Meeting and Dinner with the OGP Global Support Unit.
He argued that state governments and local government areas should bear the responsibility, as they are constitutionally empowered to provide the facilities required to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
According to him, multidimensional poverty refers to the lack of access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and potable water.
Agba noted that the country’s constitution clearly assigns responsibility for these services to state and local governments.
“Who should be blamed for the 133 million Nigerians who are multidimensionally poor? The Federal Government? No. The states? Yes. The 774 local councils? Yes.
“And why is this so? When governors assume office, they often concentrate about 80 per cent of resources in state capitals.
“I am glad that Mr. President has been speaking about this in the last two weeks. We forget the communities. We forget the local governments.
“Instead of state and local governments focusing on building primary healthcare centres, they concentrate on tertiary healthcare, which is not their responsibility,” he said.
Why FG shouldn’t be blamed for poverty in Nigeria – Ex-Minister, Clement Agba
