The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has laid the blame for the rising cost of living and the economic hardships being experienced by Nigerians squarely at the feet of the policies implemented by the President Bola Tinubu administration. During a recent meeting held in Kaduna, the Forum also voiced its deep concern over the worsening security situation in the northern region, warning that the prolonged and intensifying problems could lead to social chaos if not addressed promptly.
In a communique delivered by ACF spokesman, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum identified several immediate causes of the economic and social instability currently plaguing the nation. Among these were the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the Naira, and significant increases in electricity tariffs and taxes. These measures, combined with what the Forum described as the seemingly insensitive profligacy in government spending, have exacerbated the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
“The immediate causes of the problems have been policies put in place by the government over the past months, including but not confined to the removal of subsidies from the prices of petroleum products, floating of the Naira, and astronomical hike in the cost of poorly supplied electricity, increasing tariffs and taxes against the seemingly insensitive profligacy in spendings by public officials, to list a few,” the communique partly read.
The ACF’s statement highlighted the urgent need for the government at all levels to take definitive action to address the rapid decline in the living conditions of citizens. The Forum emphasized the importance of rolling out public policy programs and projects aimed at enhancing the purchasing power of the populace, as many Nigerians are struggling to cope with the rising cost of basic necessities.
Additionally, the ACF expressed its worry over the widening regional disparities in various socio-demographic factors, including access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic inclusion, and political participation. The Forum warned that these disparities could further entrench divisions within the country, potentially leading to a situation where Nigeria becomes effectively split into two distinct states. They called on the government and citizens alike to focus on factors that unify rather than divide the nation.
“Governments must move to curb such disparities so as to ensure that Nigeria does not become two-states-in-one. Factors that unify, rather than divide citizens along any lines, should attract the attention of all concerned, government and citizens alike,” the communique stated.
The Forum also reiterated its call for urgent government intervention to address the burdensome new taxes and levies being imposed on ordinary Nigerians. They stressed the need for public policies that can mitigate the challenges of low purchasing power and improve the overall quality of life for citizens. While acknowledging the efforts made by federal, state, and local governments to tackle these issues, the ACF noted that the public policy response has so far been weak and ineffective, given the scale and complexity of the problems.
“NEC acknowledges the efforts of the Federal, state and, to a little extent, local governments have been making efforts to tackle the problems identified above. However, overall, it is undeniable, perhaps due to the quantum and widening dimension of the problems, that public policy response to the problems remains weak and ineffective at best,” the communique noted.
In conclusion, the ACF called on citizens to support the government and offer prayers for divine intervention in Nigeria’s various tribulations. They expressed hope for a future where justice, equity, love, righteousness, and hope replace the current atmosphere of despair and hopelessness.
“ACF calls on citizens to rally around government and offer prayers for God Almighty intervention in our various tribulations such as will translate into a new, prosperous Nigeria where justice, equity, love, righteousness and hope emerge to replace the current despair and hopelessness,” the statement concluded.
As the country grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the ACF’s communique serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive and effective policy responses to restore stability and improve the living conditions of all Nigerians.
