Atiku Abubakar and Ekiti Elders Urge Action
Nigerians have set a clear agenda for President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the New Year, demanding an end to the economic hardships gripping the nation. In separate statements on Sunday, 2023 Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and the Ekiti Elders’ Forum lamented the difficulties faced by citizens, urging the Federal Government to take decisive measures.
Manufacturing Sector Calls for Specific Blueprint
Stakeholders in the manufacturing sector, speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, emphasized the need for a comprehensive blueprint to address the inflationary pressures affecting all economic activities. The removal of the fuel subsidy by President Tinubu has led to a surge in petrol prices, impacting inflation rates, which rose to 28.20% in November.
Leaders Express Concerns and Solutions
Former Vice President Atiku, in his New Year message, criticized the government’s economic policy, urging clear direction and smarter policy prescriptions. The Ekiti Council of Elders acknowledged the ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy but stressed the need for increased measures to alleviate economic hardships.
: Experts and Associations Weigh In
Experts, including Dr. Zekeri Abu of Kwara State University and the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasized the importance of investing in areas of comparative advantage and addressing infrastructural challenges to spur economic growth. They highlighted the impact of inflation on manufacturing, citing factors like the removal of the fuel subsidy and unfavorable policies.
: Calls for Government Action and Economic Reforms
Various leaders, including Dr. Chinyere Almona of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Dr. Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, called on the government to adopt well-calibrated policies to stabilize the Naira, address inflation, and foster economic growth. They urged strategic investments in infrastructure, local refineries, and rail logistics to boost the economy.
Political Figures and Civil Society Organizations Speak Out
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State sought support for the Federal Government’s economic reforms, emphasizing positive engagement for better service delivery. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged Nigerians to work towards improving the country’s socio-political and economic situation. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to positive change.
CSOs Rally Support for Renewed Hope Agenda
Civil Society Organizations, including the Coalition for Peace in Nigeria (COPIN) and Iconoclast Media, called on Nigerians to support security agencies and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in 2024. They emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in ensuring security and expressed optimism that reforms initiated by the administration would yield positive outcomes.
In summary, as Nigeria enters the New Year, citizens, experts, and leaders are united in their call for effective measures to alleviate economic hardships, address inflation, and implement strategic reforms for sustainable growth.