Inadequate Funding Compromising Citizens’ Rights – Deputy Speaker Kalu

• Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu highlights the negative impact of underfunding on justice and social welfare institutions, especially for vulnerable citizens
• He pledges the National Assembly’s support for proper funding and oversight to enhance access to rights and justice in Nigeria

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has drawn attention to the detrimental impact of insufficient funding for crucial justice and social welfare institutions on the welfare of citizens, particularly the vulnerable segments of the population.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu expressed his concerns during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme and European Union, focusing on the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase Two.

Kalu stressed that adequate funding is imperative for institutions tasked with upholding the rule of law and ensuring the welfare of citizens. He commended RoLAC for its dedication to securing proper funding for these institutions and improving access to rights and justice for women, children, and vulnerable individuals in Nigeria.

The Deputy Speaker also pledged the support of the National Assembly to prioritize funding for these institutions and provide proper oversight to ensure the effective implementation of rights-based legislation.

Federal Government Approved 211 Loan Apps in October

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has registered and approved 211 loan apps by the end of October 2023.

Of these 211 companies, 172 have received full approval from the commission, while 39 have been granted conditional approval.

The FCCPC, in partnership with the Joint Task Force (JTF), has developed the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022. This initiative aims to establish a fair, transparent, and beneficial alternative lending system for Nigerians.

The registration of loan apps became necessary due to the unsettling operations of various loan apps in the country. Many of these apps have been accused of unfair practices, rights abuses, and unethical interest rates. Some have also been involved in practices such as naming and shaming, which violate individuals’ privacy in the loan recovery process.