The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reassess his economic reforms to better address the challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly those in the northern regions. Following a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF voiced concerns over the current government’s economic policies, asserting that they have exacerbated the struggles of the average Nigerian. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is a quasi-political and socio-cultural association which seeks to promote the political interest of people of northern Nigeria.
The forum issued a communiqué at the end of its national executive council (NEC) meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday November 20, 224. According to the issued communique, the ACF said the present administration’s economic policies “have continued to make matters much worse” for the people of the northern region.
The Forum highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of the northern region, pointing out issues such as food insecurity, inadequate access to education and skills development, and a heavy dependence on microeconomic activities for survival. They stressed that while economic reforms are essential, they should not intensify poverty or hardship for the very citizens they aim to support, as many rely on small-scale activities for their livelihoods.
“The region is grappling with severe and persistent food insecurity, and its youth lack educational opportunities and skills training. Although these challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. Now is the time for ambitious thinking,” the ACF stated.
“The forum therefore called on President Tinubu to review, reassess, reevaluate, and re-order the direction of his economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.”
“Despite the obvious economic difficulties faced by Arewa, the current federal government’s policies have continued to worsen the situation, showing little regard for the precarious living conditions of the people in this region. In summary, while economic reforms are necessary, they must not contribute to the impoverishment of those they are intended to assist, as many may not survive to benefit from them,” the communiqué concluded.
