Some physically-challenged beggars in some parts of Ogun State have expressed concern over the persistent scarcity of naira notes across the country, lamenting that this has brought a decline in almsgiving.
They also lamented that the decline in almsgiving had led to many physically-challenged beggars facing serious problems with feeding and meeting basic needs.
They said the nationwide naira shortage had slowed down the pace at which they received assistance from people and organisations.
They added that benevolent assistance from individuals and organisations was fast disappearing in the country.
The Central Bank of Nigeria had in December, launched the currency redesign programme aimed at tackling inflation and mopping up excess liquidity outside the banking system.
The President’s directives to remove the old N1000, N500 and N200 naira notes from circulation, however, caused a naira shortage as a result of this redesign.
Nigerians have continued to experience difficulties in accessing cash and this has led to long queues at Automated Teller Machines, while Point of Sale agents charge exorbitant fees for cash withdrawal.
While the Supreme Court has ruled against the naira redesign policy and ordered that the old notes naira should continue to be legal tender till December 31, this year, there is yet to be a respite from the naira scarcity.