By Kelvin Obambon
The Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong has told the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) that despite global economic upheavals, steps taken by Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with support from the National Assembly, to provide safety nets for the less privileged and to build a more just and inclusive society were gaining significant traction.
Ekpenyong made the remark Tuesday while addressing the 150th session of the Inter Parliamentary Union in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on the theme: Parliamentary Action For Social Development.
According to the lawmaker, “given the current global economic and social climate, the steps being taken by President Bola Tinubu, and supported by parliamentary action from the Senator Godswill Akpabio led National Assembly, the efforts to provide safety nets for the less privileged and to build a more just and inclusive society were gaining significant traction.”
He said “in spite of the challenges, Nigeria had established the Consumer Credit Corporation, which provides access to structured, low-interest credit; enacted the the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) aimed at expanding access to higher education by providing interest-free loans to eligible students; and doubled the monthly allowances for corps members under the National Youth Service Corps.”
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong however expressed confidence that Nigeria would continue to make progress toward achieving social justice, inclusive development, and lasting peace for all citizens and thanked the IPU for its invaluable work in nurturing synergy among national parliaments.