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Nigeria 2023: NOA Presents Agency’s Scorecard

Dr Garba Abari, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has declared that the organisation will keep working to involve and inform key stakeholders about government policies, programmes, and activities.

While speaking to the media to present the agency’s scorecard and interventions on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) redesign of the Naira, political and voter education, the upcoming national housing and population census, and political and voter education, Dr Garba made this information known.

‘‘I am delighted to welcome all of you today to this important press briefing. The aim purpose of this parley is to present the report of our sensitization activities at the community level, especially as it pertains to the forthcoming General Election, the planned National Housing and Population Census and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy on the redesign of the Naira. As you are aware, these three are, presently, the dominant programmes of government that have far reaching implications for our political, economic and social development as a nation. As the primary agency of the Federal Government that has the mandate to explain government policy directives, we continue to engage with the media and other stakeholders. I hereby present the report of our activities as follows:

NAIRA REDESIGN POLICY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
On October 15, 2022 the Central Bank of Nigeria announced a redesign policy of the National currency, the Naira. By that announcement the 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes were expected to be redesigned to bear new and additional features and colours. These new currency notes according to the CBN, will be in circulation along with the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes and also remain legal tender until January 31, 2023 when the existing currencies (the old N200, N500 and N1,000 notes) shall cease to be legal tender. The apex bank also introduced new cash withdrawal limits to stem corruption, reduce excess money in circulation and prepare towards a cashless society among other reasons.

By CBN’s programme, over a period of three months, cash holders, especially those with the three currency denominations, are expected to pay them into the their bank accounts. The three-month period was to enable folks at the grassroots to make arrangements to lodge their cash into the bank from where they can still do electronic transactions. The redesign policy comes with a plan by CBN to encourage less cash transactions and promote a cashless system in line with international best practices.
The CBN hopes to achieve the following objectives:
• The policy is aimed at strengthening the economy as the naira redesign has since been overdue which usually is 5-8 years and this will bring the following intended benefits;
1.Discourage massive cash system where about 3 trillion naira are said to be outside the banking system.
2. Reduced inflation against foreign currencies
3. Curb Corruption and ease the tracing of questionable transactions
4. Check counterfeiting
5. Block possibility of demanding for huge sums for ransom and other illicit transactions
6. Strengthen the Economy and enhance CBN visibility on money supply
7. Reduce expenditure on cash management
8. Promote financial inclusion
9. Comply with universal standard for periodic redesign of currencies.

NOA INTERVENTIONS
Three weeks after the introduction of the policy, we approached CBN for a partnership that will take the communication to the grassroots. We reasoned that the redesign will have huge impact for Nigerians living in the communities, especially those living where banks do not operate and those without internet access.
So far, our field officers in the 774 Local Council Areas and the 36 states have been mobilised to sensitize Nigerians on the following:

1. The need to keep to the deadline for banking all cash which was, initially January 31, 2023. Happily, a ten days extension was given by government which gave more time for people to bank the old notes.
2. The need to have the skills to utilize alternative transaction models. People need to learn how to use electronic platforms to perform monetary transactions, understand the e-naira pay system and the USSD portal.
3. To sensitize people on the list of alternative agents that could be used to bank the outgoing currencies, e.g. SANEF agents, MTN Mo Mo PSB, Airtel smartcash and other cashless channels..

To take this message to the people, and within the framework of our partnership with the CBN, we distributed massively printed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on essential messages on the policy, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs); we also embarked on a door-to-door campaign, advocacy to community and religious leaders, visits to media houses and TV/Radio appearances, social media discussions and motorized and road walk campaigns. Most of these message jingles were translated into local languages. We also conveyed reports from our field officers to the CBN during our second meeting.
Feedback Observations:
1. People were of the opinion that NOA sensitization campaign should have commenced earlier before the new Naira Redesign Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria commenced, so as to gain citizens buyin.
2. Stakeholders commended the NOA and CBN for the sensitization campaign and promised to step down the messages to others so as to meet up with the deadline.
3. It was observed that there were large number of people who misconceived or have wrong perception of the New Naira Redesign Policy of the
Central Bank of Nigeria.
4. There is the need to redouble efforts towards creating more awareness on the policy.
5. Some people were of the opinion that time allocated for the change of New Naira notes is insufficient and many people can’t meet the deadline.
6. Commercial banks were not issuing the new Naira notes to the public as a result most People in the rural areas said they were yet to see the New redesigned Naira notes. .
7. People expressed concern over the non availability of the new Naira notes in circulation which in turn affected their businesses.
8. It was also observed that before the deadline, some people have commenced the rejection of old Naira notes which is contrary to the Central Bank directives.
9. Members of the public observed that the Banks were still issuing the old Naira notes to customers.
10. Many people complained of shortages in circulation of the new Naira notes as a result they are not completely convinced on how to exchange their old naira notes to the new ones.
11. The people were not convinced with the timing as there are few days to go yet old Naira notes are still dispensed by banks.
12. People without western education expressed fears in opening bank accounts.
13. Some people didn’t take the currency design seriously until the sensitization programme was embarked upon by National Orientation Agency.
14. Most of the Market men and women complained of not having bank accounts.
15. Members of the public believed the naira redesign policy is a misplaced priority, as there are a lot of Nigerians living below poverty line.
16. People showed their relief as vivid explanation and demonstration was done for them to distinguish the Original banknotes from the Counterfeit by identifying the CBN inscription on the notes using the Original new notes.
17. It was observed that most of them have not physically seen any of the newly redesigned naira notes.
18. It was observed that most of the people still have the old notes stocked at home because they don’t have account in any Bank.
19. It was also observed that marketers and POS Agents started rejecting the old notes thereby inflicting hardship on the people.

As the CBN continue to grapple with the challenges of the implementation of the policy, we urge political players to give the policy a chance to work. The intention of government in approving the policy is noble and require the support of all citizens to achieve the desired goal.

On the National Population and Housing Census, 2023, the DG, stated that, in the last four months, the agency have been working with the National Population Commission (NPC) on the successful conduct of the proposed 2023 census.

“Our partnership is built on the need for grassroots mobilisation and awareness creation. The objective of the first phase of the collaboration is to strengthen institutional capacity of both the NOA and the Commission to synergise, understand communication landscape and delivery channels for a huge exercise such as the population census. The collaboration also seeks to entrench citizen’s buy in to enable them to take ownership of the exercise.” He sadi.

He added that. “In order to create awareness, community orientation and mobilisation officers of the NOA in the 774 alongside the NPC local government controllers jointly designed awareness creation activities for the forthcoming census. They range from road shows to walks, advocacy to community leaders, mounted public address platform in community centres and the distribution of IEC material as the team went about its work.”

“At the national level here in Abuja, a road show was planned and organised by the NOA and was flagged off by both the chairman of the NPC and the DG of NOA. The first group led by DGNOA took off from the Area 1, Garki Head office of the NOA through Area1, 2 and 10 while the second group led by the NPC chair took off from the zone 7 head office of the Population commission, marched through zone 3, 1, central Business district and joined the first group at the old parade ground. Leaders of the two teams addressed the gathering consisting of NYSC corps members, youth groups, market women association, NOA staff, NPC. During the road show, placard with various messages were displayed while also distributing fliers with key messages to passerby.”

“In addition to the flag off, the FCT directorate of the NOA took the sensitization campaign and advocacy to traditional ruler of Abaji, Ona of Abaji, the Etsu of Bwari, Etsu Kwali and sarkin Jiwa among others.

At the states, two key strategies were employed including road shows and capacity building workshops for field officers of both the NPC and NOA. The activities took place between November 15 and 30 in various state capitals.”

OBSERVATIONS.
1. Many young Nigerians are desirous of more information about the census having not experienced any since their birth. The last census was conducted 16 years ago.
2. Many wants to know the exact period of the exercise.
3. Some Nigeria has preconceived notion about the concept census. They believe it is a political activity meant to enhance political advantage to some parts of the country.
4. many sought explanation on the concept of “digital census” which is being promoted as the main feature of the planned exercise.
5. many also wants to know how the housing aspect of the census will be done.
6. citizens querried why the census is planned the same period as the election
7. most people were of the view that more awareness should be carried out in dispelling conception on the 2023 census exercise.
8. one key observation was the need for the NOA to leverage on its existing capacity, reach and community based experience to lead the sensitization, advocacy and publicity campaign for the 2023 census exercise.

Dr. Garba, stressed that, the political events associated with the general election is overshadowing the census awareness but the strategy is to continuously sensitize Nigerians on the exercise.

“In the last 35 years, the NOA has acquired a reputation for delivering on its mandate to promote democracy as the preferred form of government. As we prepare for the 2023 election, all hands are on desk to ensure that citizens make informed choices in the selection of our leaders post may 2023. Arising from our 2019 report, the Agency deliberately designed its political education and sensitization programme around the following thematic areas.”

1. Massive Voter Registration.
2. Peaceful election.
3. Women and people with disability inclusion.
4. Collection of the PVC
5. Voter process and new features in the voter experience.
6. Electoral corruption (vote buying and selling)
7. Voter apathy

“On voter registration, the NOA has utilised the long period allowed by the new Electoral act for the proclamation and holding of the election to mobilise Nigerians to prepare to vote and be voted for. In all, about 50 jingles were produced in many languages including English, Pidgin English, Yoruba, Okun dialect, Itsekiri, Urhobo, kanuri, Tiv, Igbo, Nupe, Igala, Gbagyi, Birom, Hausa, Ibibio, Fulfude, Afemai, Bini, Ishan, Kalabari, Ijaw, among others. It was the first time we were using our staff to voice and then later standardise the material for circulation through social media. In this day of pervasive social media influence, our staff at the headquarters, states and local government were encouraged to share the jingle in social media platforms where they are part of. The simple message is for citizens to make the effort to register and obtain their Permanent Voter cards (PVC). This helped us to fulfil our set aim of mobilise for voter registration.”

“In addition, we joined other stakeholders through social Media discussions, television and radio appearances to disseminate messages that will promote voter registration across the country.”

“Building a people of Peace. We have remained consistent in our social communication strategy by sending out messages of peace. Infact, going by the history of elections, political violence and disturbances has become part of that history. Leaflets and jingles promoting peace and order have been sent out to various opinion leaders especially, the traditional and religious leaders to prevail on their supporters to shun violence. One of the leaflets “Say No To Election Violence has been translated into pidgin, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa languages.”

“The second one, “Lets live together in Peace”. Our state and local government officers have been directed to include messages of peace in any sensitization outreach in their areas of operation. As part of the effort to promote peace during the election, the Agency orgainsed a successful political parties’ summit with objective of sensitise parties on the need to comply with new electoral act, discourage electoral violence and promote electoral security. The well attended summit had representation from all the 18 political parties participating in the coming election.”

“Part of the work on preserving peace in our country during the election and afterwards is our effort to curb hate speech and fake news. An online campaign titled £saynotohatespeech reminds citizens of the need to support government effort to stop fake news and hate speech. Leaflets have also been produced to aid field officers explain what the campaign is all about.”

“On the Women and people with disability inclusion the Agency organised a one day national sensitization programme on promoting women and PWD inclusion in governance and political process, here in Abuja. The objective was to educate representative of women and PWDs on the need to come out fully and take the opportunity provided by the electoral law and participate fully in the processes leading to the 2023 polls.”

“On Voting buying and selling, we unveiled a whistleblowing platform in partnership with other partners to give citizens opportunity to report electoral corruption through the Electoral corruption tracker form. The form which has been uploaded on the Corruption Anonymous (CORA) platform enables citizens to take action to stop electoral corruption.”

“Additionally, the Agency has carried its sensitization campaign against vote buying and selling to all its platforms on the social media and during engagement with other stakeholders. It has also sought the cooperation of other security agencies including the EFCC, ICPC and the police to take action against those indulging in vote buying and selling.”

He further, reiterated that, the National Orientation Agency understand the need to constantly interpret and explain government policies and programme for the benefit of the people who the policies are meant to serve.

“Our mandate is very clear to communicate government policies, programmes and activities and mobilise support and buy for these programmes. We are also aware of our role in promoting values that sustain decent civilisation.”
“We appeal to you members of the Media not to relent in serving pour nation. NOA is one of your natural partners in the task of building a democratic, free and progressive nation.”

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