The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, describing them as unfair to the already struggling northern region.
The group said these policies have worsened living conditions and called for a more compassionate approach.
The ACF expressed its concerns in a communique released after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna.
The statement, signed by its spokesperson, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, urged the President to reassess his reforms, noting that northern interests would be best addressed by those familiar with the region’s challenges.
The forum lamented the deepening poverty across the north, stating that the region’s economic situation was already worse than other parts of the country before the current administration’s policies.
It cited issues such as food insecurity, lack of education and skills among the youth, and dependence on small-scale activities for survival.
“Livelihoods are currently dependent 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 communique read.
The group acknowledged the need for economic reforms but stressed that such measures should not cause further hardship for the people.
“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while, indeed, desirable, should not impoverish the same people that they are meant to serve; the people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits,” it added.
The ACF called on governors in the north to collaborate more effectively on addressing key issues such as security, education, agriculture, health, and skills training. It also urged the federal government to welcome constructive criticism to ensure policies serve the people’s interests.
On food security, the forum noted the ongoing food crisis and advocated for solutions beyond imports.
“The ultimate solution is to achieve food self-sufficiency,” it stated, adding that population growth must also be managed through public policy.
