The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised significant concerns over the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, accusing them of exacerbating poverty levels, particularly in the northern region of Nigeria. Following a National Executive Council meeting held in Kaduna, the ACF issued a strong critique of the current administration's economic reforms, arguing that they are worsening the living conditions of Nigerians, rather than improving them.
The ACF, which represents the interests of the northern region, has become increasingly vocal about the impact of the president’s economic policies. They argue that while reforms are necessary for Nigeria’s long term development, the current approach is pushing the country’s most vulnerable citizens into deeper poverty. The forum points specifically to the northern region, where a significant portion of the population is already struggling with food insecurity, limited access to education, and a heavy reliance on small scale, microeconomic activities for survival.
The ACF's communiqué highlighted the alarming levels of food insecurity across the northern states. Many households are finding it difficult to meet their basic needs, and with the rising cost of goods and services, the situation is becoming untenable. The group also underscored the lack of educational opportunities, particularly for the youth in the region, who are often left with little choice but to engage in menial labor to support themselves and their families.
The forum emphasized that economic policies should be designed to uplift the people they are meant to benefit, not push them further into hardship. They stressed that the northern populace, which depends heavily on small scale businesses, agriculture, and local trade, cannot afford to bear the brunt of sweeping economic changes without adequate support systems in place.
The ACF’s message is clear economic reforms need to be inclusive and considerate of the unique challenges faced by different regions of the country. The northern states, in particular, require targeted interventions to address food insecurity, improve access to education and vocational training, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people. Without these measures, the forum warns that the current policies may only worsen the situation and hinder the potential for long term development.
The communiqué concluded with a call for immediate and impactful solutions to the pressing issues facing the region, stressing that the reforms should aim to reduce poverty, not increase it. The ACF emphasized that the people in the northern region must not be left behind as the country moves toward economic recovery and growth.
In addition to their concerns over economic policy, the ACF also reaffirmed its intention to support a northern candidate in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. This political stance reflects their desire to ensure that the needs and challenges of the northern region are better represented at the national level, particularly in economic decision making.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the Arewa Consultative Forum is calling for a more thoughtful and regionally inclusive approach to reform. The northern states, already facing significant socio economic challenges, need policies that not only promote long term growth but also address immediate concerns like food insecurity, education, and access to livelihoods. For many in the region, survival is a daily struggle, and any economic reform must take this reality into account to avoid deepening the crisis.