The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reassess his economic reforms, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity to the struggles of 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 dissatisfaction with the administration’s economic policies, asserting that they have exacerbated hardships for the average Nigerian.
The Forum outlined the northern region’s unique challenges, including food insecurity, limited access to education and skills training, and dependence on microeconomic activities for survival.
It stressed that while economic reforms are essential, they must not worsen poverty or hardship among citizens. The group called for policies that alleviate suffering and support sustainable livelihoods.
“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 communiqué stated.