The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his economic reforms, warning that the current policies have worsened the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region.

In a communiqué issued following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF expressed deep concern about the negative impact of the administration’s economic measures, which they say have intensified the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. The statement, signed by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, highlighted the region’s vulnerability to food insecurity, limited access to education, and heavy reliance on small-scale economic activities.

“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.

While acknowledging the necessity of reforms, the ACF emphasized that such policies should not deepen poverty or hardship. “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 warned.

The ACF urged the president to adopt a more human-centred approach to policy-making, one that reflects the realities of the average Nigerian. The forum also advocated for constructive feedback and criticism as essential to guiding effective governance and necessary adjustments.

The forum called for a coordinated response from northern governors to address issues such as insecurity, education, skills acquisition, agriculture, and healthcare. Key recommendations included:

• Addressing Food Insecurity: Implementing both short- and long-term measures to ensure food availability, including imports if necessary, while striving for long-term food self-sufficiency.
• Population Control: Advocating for policies and legal frameworks to achieve population balance.
• Improving Electricity Supply: Prioritizing energy reforms to alleviate poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment in the North.

“The interests of the North will be best served by Northerners,” the communiqué stressed, urging regional stakeholders to take charge of addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.

The ACF’s statement reflects growing concerns about the impact of federal policies on vulnerable populations, particularly in northern Nigeria, and underscores the need for more inclusive and pragmatic economic strategies.