The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassess his economic reforms, urging him to consider the growing challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region. This appeal was made following the group’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the ACF voiced concern over the impact of the current administration’s economic policies, stating that they have exacerbated the hardships faced by the average Nigerian.
The Forum highlighted that the northern region is disproportionately affected due to food insecurity, limited educational opportunities, and an economy heavily reliant on micro-businesses. The communiqué stressed that while economic reforms are necessary, they must be implemented with compassion and foresight to avoid worsening poverty.
“The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring economic challenges, the policies of the current federal government have continued to worsen matters, with little indication of the needed sensitivity to the precarious existential conditions of Arewa people.
“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve. The people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits,” the communique said.
