Your economic policies continue to worsen matters for northerners – ACF tells Tinubu

Story by Victor Itodo ABUH

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his economic policies, citing their adverse effects on Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region.

In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF expressed concern over the worsening hardships caused by the administration’s economic reforms.

The communiqué, signed by the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, highlighted the need for reforms that are sensitive to the economic realities of Nigerians.

“The livelihoods of many depend on micro-activities. 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,” the communiqué stated.

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The ACF noted that the northern region is uniquely vulnerable due to widespread food insecurity, inadequate access to education, and over-reliance on informal economic activities.

“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 communiqué added.

The forum emphasised the importance of adopting a human-centred approach to economic reforms, urging the federal government to incorporate feedback and constructive criticism for more effective policymaking.

The ACF also called on northern governors to develop coordinated strategies to address insecurity, education deficits, skills acquisition, agriculture, health services, and other pressing issues.

“The interests of the North will be best served by Northerners.

“The growing food crisis with every through short and long term measures, including imports where needs be but the ultimate solution is to achieve food self-sufficiency.

“People should take responsibility for our fast-growing population. Public policy and the law should be adopted to achieve a balance.

“Poor electricity supply will continue to hamper efforts to ameliorate poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment in the region. These have to be addressed with utmost urgency,” the communiqué concluded.

The ACF’s recommendations underscore the need for policy adjustments that prioritise the well-being of citizens and address the unique challenges faced by the northern region.

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