The pandemic has transformed the role of palliatives, which were initially temporary measures to aid the most vulnerable in society, into a permanent component of Nigeria’s economy, reports EDIDIONG IKPOTO
Tragedy struck in February when seven individuals lost their lives in a stampede at the Nigeria Customs Service office in Yaba, Lagos, during the sale of 25kg bags of rice to Lagos residents.
The stampede ensued after the NCS announced a price reduction on staple foods to alleviate the increasing food inflation.
Unfortunately, the prevailing economic hardship fueled an atmosphere of unrest, culminating in the tragic stampede.
The NCS attributed the fatalities to impatience, with customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada recounting the chaos that unfolded.
Amidst criticism following the incident, concerns were raised about the deep-seated hardship leading individuals to desperate measures such as seeking palliatives.
Voices like Atedo Peterside, Founder of the Anap Foundation, decried the trend of distributing palliatives through warehouse queues as an act of ‘wickedness’.
Economic experts, including Professor Akpan Ekpo, have voiced disapproval of an economy overly reliant on palliatives, warning of the negative impact on productivity.
Ekpo’s stance emphasizes the detrimental effects of fostering dependency through handouts instead of promoting productive initiatives.
The shift towards a palliative-centric economy raises concerns about the long-term implications on productivity and creativity essential for economic growth.
Before the pandemic, the concept of ‘palliatives’ was alien to many Nigerians, but its prevalence post-pandemic as a coping mechanism is unsettling.
While palliative measures are common globally, the prevalent focus on food supplies in Nigeria diverges from the approach seen in other countries such as Australia and Canada.
The emphasis on palliative care for terminally ill individuals in Australia and the strategic frameworks in place highlight a more nuanced approach compared to the food-centric model in Nigeria.
The trend of prolonged palliative distribution in Nigeria underscores the need for structural reforms in social interventions to foster sustainable solutions beyond temporary relief.
The term “palliative care” originated in Canada in the mid-1970s, initially focusing on cancer patients in hospitals. Over time, its scope has broadened to encompass individuals with life-limiting illnesses, reflecting the increasing demand for palliative care across diverse service providers.
Palliative care seeks to enhance the quality of life and alleviate suffering for those facing life-limiting illnesses by offering pain management, symptom relief, and various forms of social, emotional, and spiritual support. Caregivers also receive support during the patient’s illness and after their passing.
While some advanced economies have implemented cash-based palliative programs for citizens, these initiatives are often integrated within social services to assist the most vulnerable segments of society. In contrast, palliative efforts in Nigeria have predominantly focused on distributing food items and essential supplies.
Dr. Sheriffdeen Tella, an economics professor at Olabisi Onabanjo University, expressed concerns in an interview with NewsNow, cautioning that extensive reliance on palliatives to alleviate current challenges could negatively impact the economy. He emphasized the importance of reevaluating labor wages and creating conducive environments for productivity to flourish as governmental priorities, rather than solely relying on charitable distributions.
Dr. Tella asserted that addressing wage-related issues promptly would mitigate the need for palliative measures, fostering a culture of fair compensation for work. By encouraging active participation in the workforce and aligning wages with labor standards, the government could deter dependency on palliatives and promote a stronger work ethic among individuals.