A Local Government Chairman from Enugu State Hon Philip Nnamdi Okoh has urged the Federal government to fastrack its cashless policy to end the current menace of kidnapping in the Country.
Hon Okoh who is the Executive Chairman of Udi Local Government Area spoke when he received a team of Personnel and Trainees of the Nigerian Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
He argued that if huge cash exchanges were to drop to the barest minimum, the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria will be a thing of the past.
The chairman, thus, called for policies that will substantially reduce daily use of cash.
He lamented that kidnapping has unfortunately become fashionable and lucrative for armed criminals in Nigeria and urged the government to reduce the volume of cash exchange in circulation.
He said, “if there is a policy which provides that no individual or corporate entity, can draw more than ₦50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira, only) daily, either at the counter or via the ATM, this reduction in the availability of cash, would end the menace of kidnapping.”
He noted that any transaction with a value exceeding 50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only) daily, should be performed through electronic/mobile transfer.
The Chairman further expressed conviction that if Nigeria operated an economy where exchange in cash is low, “this kidnapping menace would die a natural death.”
He therefore suggested a daily cash of ₦50,000 per person should suffice for any immediate cash need.
He noted that such a policy would also improve the country’s economic condition, by saving the quantum of money spent to provide cash.
Earlier, leader of the delegation Col. Adejoro, said they were on a research and fact finding mission, pointing out that Udi Local Government is among the locations they are visiting.
The exercise which is tagged “Exercise Nigerian Study Tour”, he said, has the theme, “WHOLE GOVERNMENT/SOCIETY APPROACH IN COMBATING CONTEMPORARY INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES FOR ENHANCED OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS”.
Colonel Adejoro explained that the engagement, is structured into a Research Effort by Students/Trainees of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College which in this particular instance, refer to students of Senior Course 46, who are on a one year mid career training.
There was an interactive session between the guests, the contingent, L.G.A. Executive, Legislature, Traditional Leaders and Presidents General during which security challenges faced by the people were discussed.
Chairman of Udi Local Government Traditional Rulers’ Council Hon Justice Ken Ezeike (rtd) commended the Council Chairman for laudable interventions, with regards to the security of the lives and property of Udi people.
He further suggested that the Federal Government should mobilize military personnel to get involved in the training of Local Vigilante, for enhanced effectiveness.
The team which toured some project sites of the Council commended the Chairman’s outstanding performance, magnanimity and disposition to convivial hospitality.
Ends
