ACF to Tinubu: Revise Economic Policies Worsening Hardship for Nigerians

• The Arewa Consultative Forum urged President Tinubu to reconsider economic reforms, emphasizing policies that alleviate hardship for northern Nigerians
• ACF highlighted challenges like food insecurity and lack of education, calling for immediate actions to secure a better future

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his economic reforms, emphasizing the need for policies that address the challenges faced by Nigerians, especially 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 adverse effects of current economic policies. It noted that the reforms have exacerbated hardship for ordinary Nigerians instead of alleviating it.

The communiqué, signed by the ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, highlighted the northern region’s vulnerabilities.

These include widespread food insecurity, lack of access to education and skills training, and heavy reliance on small-scale economic activities.

“Many livelihoods depend on microeconomic activities. The region suffers acute and chronic food insecurity, while its youth lack adequate education and skills training. These challenges, though daunting, can be addressed. The time to act is now,” the communiqué stated.

The ACF acknowledged the necessity of economic reforms but stressed that they must not worsen poverty or hardship for citizens. “Reforms should benefit the people, not impoverish them. Policies must prioritize the well-being of those they aim to serve,” it said.

The forum advised President Tinubu to adopt a more human-centred approach in policymaking, emphasizing the importance of constructive feedback.

It also called on northern governors to implement coordinated strategies for tackling pressing issues, including insecurity, education, agriculture, healthcare, and skills acquisition.

The ACF proposed solutions to critical challenges facing the North, urging immediate actions to address:

• Food Crisis: Implement short- and long-term measures, including imports, while working toward food self-sufficiency.
• Population Growth: Introduce public policies and laws to manage rapid population growth effectively.
• Electricity Supply: Resolve poor power supply, which hampers poverty alleviation, job creation, and development.

The forum concluded that the North’s interests would be best served through dedicated leadership and collaboration within the region, emphasizing that urgent reforms are essential to secure a better future for its people.