By Segun Otokiti, Abuja– A former Nigeria’s Postmaster General, Dr. Ismail Adewusi, said a balance between the ongoing economic reforms and social equity must be struck and not allowed one to thrive above the other.
Adewusi who gave the admonition at the annual NPO Reports dialogue organized by the Publisher, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon in Abuja, added that revenue generation and social equity were two sides of the same coin and that one could not thrive without the other.
He noted that revenue generation and social equity were dependent of each other as, according to him, one cannot thrive without the other.
“As we push for reforms, we must ensure that revenue generation does not come at the expense of social equity.” He said.
Adewusi, who also served as Lagos Commissioner for Finance and later Budget and Economic Planning when President Bola Tinubu was governor, urged the Federal Government to consider subsidizing essential services like electricity and transportation.
He also called for the expansion of access to education and healthcare as well as inclusive infrastructure investment.
Adewusi said, “Subsidies should be targeted at essential services like electricity and transportation to shield low-income groups.
“Expanding access to education and healthcare, particularly in underserved regions, is critical for reducing inequality.
“Infrastructure investments must be inclusive, ensuring that rural and marginalized communities benefit alongside urban centers,” he said.
The event featured notable panelists including the Executive Director of Upshot Media, Mojeed Jamiu and Senior Research Fellow of Political Science at Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, Dr. Hakeem Tijani.
