Beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Phase 2, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu for an increase in their monthly stipends, citing the current economic challenges faced by Niger Delta ex-agitators.
Ibena Rufus Salvation, the national chairman of PAP Phase 2, emphasized in a statement on Sunday that the current stipend of N65,000 per beneficiary is insufficient in light of recent economic realities.
He highlighted the urgency of a stipend review to mitigate the impact of hyper-inflation, especially in the Niger Delta region, where peace is paramount.
Salvation commended the President’s commitment to dialogue with organized labor, leading to the suspension of the recent nationwide strike that disrupted socio-economic activities.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that all sectors, particularly PAP beneficiaries, are included in the new minimum wage structure to uphold the interests of all Nigerians.
“We respectfully advocate for including the beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in the recent wage increment initiatives,” Salvation stated.
The statement pointed out the significant rise in prices of goods and services, exacerbating the challenges faced by Niger Delta youths. With inflation at 33.69 percent in 2024, high petrol prices, and a depreciating exchange rate, the current stipend of N65,000 is insufficient for survival.
“Therefore, it is time for the stipend to be increased,” the statement concluded, urging prompt action to address the plight of Niger Delta ex-agitators.