Only God Knows The Unseen Hands Behind Nigeria’s Palliative Distribution

BY ISAAC ASABOR *

In the heart of African wisdom is a saying: “Only God knows the man who shares meat with his teeth.” This proverb, which is rich in imagery, speaks volumes about the lack of transparency and accountability in resource distribution; a situation that is very similar to the current state of palliative care and cash transfers in Nigeria.

In its most literal interpretation, the saying depicts a man using his teeth to divide meat among others, which is neither open nor fair. Those receiving the meat never know whether they are getting their fair share or if the distributor is keeping the best portions for himself.

This image reflects the troubling reality faced by millions of Nigerians today, where palliatives intended to alleviate the masses’ hunger and suffering are frequently distributed without fairness, transparency, or accountability.

Since the onset of economic hardship, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and worsened by current economic challenges, the Nigerian government has implemented several palliative measures. These include food distribution, cash transfers, and other forms of assistance designed to alleviate the effects of poverty and hunger. However, reports and eyewitness accounts show that these efforts are fraught with corruption, favouritism, and inefficiency.

In many communities, the distribution process is shrouded in secrecy, with little or no oversight to ensure that aid reaches those in greatest need. Local officials and those in charge of distribution frequently divert palliatives, giving them to their friends, family, and political allies while leaving the most vulnerable with little or nothing. In some cases, beneficiaries are required to pay bribes or demonstrate loyalty to specific political figures before receiving what is rightfully theirs. This has resulted in widespread disillusionment and anger among ordinary Nigerians, who believe they have been betrayed by those in charge of their welfare.

The proverb “Only God knows the man who shares meat with others with his teeth” captures the frustration of people who can see the meat and smell it but have no idea if they will ever taste it. It demonstrates the opaque and biased nature of palliative distribution in Nigeria, where true beneficiaries are frequently hidden, leaving the masses to wonder what happened to the promises made to them.

This situation necessitates urgent reform. Palliative care and cash transfers must be distributed in a transparent, accountable, and equitable manner. Independent monitoring bodies should be established to oversee the process and ensure that aid reaches those in greatest need, free of favouritism and corruption. Furthermore, the government must work with community leaders and civil society organisations to develop a distribution framework that is both inclusive and equitable.

Our African ancestors’ wisdom serves as a mirror to the present, reminding us that only by sharing openly, with integrity, and accountability can we ensure that everyone receives their fair share. The Nigerian government and those in positions of power must heed this advice if they are to truly alleviate the people’s suffering and restore trust in the system. Finally, it is not just about sharing the meat, but about doing so in a way that is fair, transparent, and equitable to all.

The reason for expressing this opinion in this context is not farfetched, as Nigeria’s palliative care has become a lifeline that rarely reaches those in need.

In recent years, Nigeria has faced a slew of economic challenges, plunging millions into poverty and hunger. The government’s response has been to distribute palliatives, which are intended to help the most vulnerable people. However, despite the noble intentions behind these initiatives, the reality on the ground tells a different story: palliatives are not reaching the intended recipients.

Palliative aid, whether in the form of food, cash transfers, or other forms of assistance, is intended to provide a safety net for those most vulnerable to economic hardship. Unfortunately, the implementation of these programmes has been marred by inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of transparency, leaving many Nigerians dissatisfied and struggling to survive.

Many communities across Nigeria have reported palliatives being diverted by those in charge of their distribution. Local government officials, politicians, and community leaders have all been accused of hoarding or diverting these resources for personal gain. Palliatives are sometimes distributed based on political affiliation or connections rather than genuine need. As a result, the most vulnerable groups, such as widows, the elderly, the unemployed, and the poor, are frequently left empty-handed.

Take, for example, COVID-19 palliative distribution during the lockdown. The government announced that food and cash transfers would be distributed to households to alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic. However, many Nigerians complained that they never received any assistance, while others reported receiving only a portion of what was promised. The situation was so dire that in some states, desperate citizens discovered warehouses storing undistributed palliatives, resulting in widespread looting.

The lack of a transparent and accountable palliative distribution system has only exacerbated the situation. Without proper oversight, it is nearly impossible to determine where aid is going and whether it is reaching its intended recipients. This has resulted in widespread public frustration, with many feeling abandoned by a system that is supposed to protect them.

Furthermore, the government’s method for identifying beneficiaries has been flawed. Frequently, the criteria for selecting recipients are unclear, and the process is not inclusive. Those living in remote or rural areas are frequently overlooked, whereas urban dwellers with greater access to information and resources are more likely to benefit. This has widened the gap between rich and poor, exacerbating the country’s inequality.

The issue of palliative care not reaching its intended beneficiaries is more than just inefficiency; it is also a matter of justice. When resources designated for the poor are diverted or mismanaged, it exacerbates the suffering of those who are already struggling to make ends meet. It undermines public trust in the government and its institutions, instilling hopelessness and despair among the people.

To address this issue, Nigeria’s palliative distribution system must be comprehensively overhauled. This includes establishing independent monitoring bodies to oversee the process and ensure that aid is delivered to those in greatest need. To reduce the risk of corruption and increase transparency, the government should implement technology-driven solutions such as digital platforms for cash transfers and food distribution.

Community involvement is also important. Local leaders, civil society organisations, and non-governmental organisations should all actively participate in the distribution process to ensure that it is fair, inclusive, and effective. Working together, these stakeholders can help build a system that is accountable to the people and responsive to their needs.

Finally, the failure of palliatives to reach those in greatest need is a clear indictment of Nigeria’s social safety net. The government must take immediate and decisive action to address this situation, or it risks alienating the very people it is supposed to serve. In a country where millions are struggling to survive, palliative care should be a right, a lifeline available to all who require it.