The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review his economic reforms and implement “human-centred” policies to ensure they reflect greater sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, particularly those in the Northern region.
In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic policies, stating that they have worsened the hardship faced by the average Nigerian.
The communiqué signed by Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, highlighted the unique vulnerabilities of the Northern region, noting that its people are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, limited access to education and skills training, and reliance on microeconomic activities for survival.
“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 ACF stressed that while economic reforms are necessary, they should not exacerbate poverty or hardship among the citizens they are intended to benefit.
“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 forum said.
The ACF urged President Tinubu to reassess and realign his economic policies to incorporate a human-centred approach.
It further advised the federal government to embrace constructive criticism, emphasising that feedback is essential for effective policymaking and public benefit.
The forum also urged the northern governors to adopt coordinated strategies for addressing insecurity, education, skills acquisition, agriculture, health services, and other critical areas.
“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; and
“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,” it said.