Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has argued that the distribution of food items and cash to citizens ahead of elections cannot address Nigeria’s deep-rooted socioeconomic challenges, stressing that sustainable governance and structural reforms remain the only viable path to national development.
Kingibe made the remarks while speaking on the state of governance and the welfare of Nigerians, warning against what she described as the growing tendency of political actors to rely on temporary palliatives and handouts rather than implementing policies capable of delivering long-term economic prosperity.
According to the senator, while food distribution programmes and cash transfers may provide short-term relief for vulnerable citizens facing economic hardship, they do little to address the fundamental issues responsible for poverty, unemployment, insecurity and declining living standards across the country.
Kingibe maintained that Nigeria’s challenges require comprehensive and sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of economic distress rather than temporary interventions that often gain prominence during election periods.
She noted that genuine development can only be achieved through deliberate investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and job creation, alongside policies that promote economic growth and social inclusion.
The lawmaker argued that governments at all levels must prioritize long-term planning and institutional reforms capable of improving the quality of life of citizens beyond election cycles.
According to her, the focus should be on creating opportunities that empower Nigerians to become economically productive rather than fostering dependence on periodic welfare distributions.
Kingibe emphasized that many of the socioeconomic difficulties confronting Nigerians stem from governance failures, including inadequate public service delivery, poor policy implementation and weak institutions.
She stressed that addressing these systemic challenges would have a more lasting impact on citizens’ welfare than occasional interventions designed to cushion economic hardship.
The senator called on political leaders to demonstrate greater commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources, noting that effective governance remains the foundation for sustainable development.
She further argued that improvements in governance would enhance public trust, strengthen democratic institutions and create an environment conducive to investment and economic expansion.
The senator’s comments come amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living, inflationary pressures and the economic difficulties faced by many households across Nigeria.
In recent years, governments at both federal and state levels have implemented various palliative measures, including food distribution programmes and cash transfers, to mitigate the impact of economic reforms and rising living costs on vulnerable populations.
However, Kingibe maintained that while such interventions may be necessary in emergency situations, they should not be viewed as substitutes for comprehensive economic policies aimed at generating employment, boosting productivity and improving public services.
The FCT senator urged policymakers to focus on structural reforms capable of strengthening the economy and enhancing citizens’ access to opportunities.
She identified improvements in education, healthcare delivery, power supply, transportation infrastructure and support for small and medium-sized enterprises as critical areas requiring sustained government attention.
Kingibe also advocated reforms that would promote efficiency in public institutions, reduce corruption and ensure that public funds are directed toward projects that have tangible benefits for citizens.
According to her, addressing these underlying issues would help reduce poverty levels and improve living standards more effectively than temporary handouts.
The senator’s remarks have added to the ongoing national debate over the role of social intervention programmes in addressing economic hardship.
While proponents of cash transfers and food distribution argue that such measures provide immediate relief to struggling households, critics contend that long-term development requires investments in productive sectors and reforms that create sustainable economic opportunities.
For Kingibe, the ultimate measure of governance should be the ability of leaders to build systems that improve the lives of citizens permanently rather than relying on short-term solutions that offer only temporary respite.
She therefore called on governments at all levels to place greater emphasis on policy-driven development, institutional strengthening and economic reforms capable of delivering lasting benefits to Nigerians and securing the country’s future prosperity.
