Ned Nwoko Calls for Redistribution of Wealth to Combat Poverty and Hunger in Nigeria

Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko has asserted that Nigeria’s issue is not a lack of money, but rather its failure to distribute wealth effectively to reach the poor and needy.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Tuesday, Nwoko highlighted that the challenge lies in managing the nation’s resources to address poverty, hunger, and unemployment.

Senator Nwoko urged President Bola Tinubu to implement the creation of a National Social Security Agency, a move he believes would be more effective than the current Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. He proposed a 5% deduction from the Federation Account, alongside a 5% income contribution from all employed Nigerians, to fund this initiative.

“The notion that Nigeria lacks money is incorrect,” Nwoko stated. “The real issue is the redistribution of our resources. If we allocate 5% directly from the Federation Account—which is the source of funds distributed monthly to local governments, states, and the federal government—and add a 5% contribution from every worker, we can create a substantial fund to support the needy.”

Nwoko explained that the National Social Security Agency would be responsible for managing these funds and providing a steady income to the poor and unemployed. He believes this approach could significantly reduce hunger, poverty, and insecurity.

“If individuals, such as the disabled or unemployed, receive a regular income—say ₦50,000 or ₦100,000 weekly—they are less likely to engage in crime or fraudulent activities out of desperation,” Nwoko noted. “Knowing that they have a reliable source of income would reduce their inclination to resort to criminal behavior.”

The senator also emphasized that this fund would provide a safety net for retirees and those who lose their jobs. Retirees would receive a steady monthly income, while employees who are laid off would be eligible for financial support.

Nwoko further highlighted that the fund could assist internally displaced persons and victims of natural disasters, providing them with a reliable income stream rather than relying solely on irregular aid.

“Internally displaced people often have no means of survival apart from handouts,” he said. “If they know they have a guaranteed income, they could leave troubled areas and relocate without being confined to overcrowded camps where they are treated poorly.”

Senator Nwoko’s proposal calls for a shift in how Nigeria addresses social welfare, focusing on direct financial support to citizens in need to reduce poverty and promote social stability.