The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address critical issues plaguing Northern Nigeria, including insecurity, education, and economic hardship. This appeal was made in a communique issued after the ACF National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Economic Reforms with a ‘Human Face’

The ACF criticized the administration’s current economic policies, claiming they have exacerbated the challenges in the North. The forum urged the government to reassess its economic direction, emphasizing the need for reforms that do not further impoverish the people.

“Economic reforms, while desirable, should not harm those they are intended to help. The people may not survive to see their supposed benefits,” the communique noted.

Security: An Urgent Priority

Raising alarm over the escalating insecurity, the forum condemned the ongoing attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. It described security as the “irreducible minimum” of governance and criticized officials for failing to ensure safety.

ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), called for collaborative efforts between government officials, traditional leaders, and communities to combat insecurity. He also advocated for public awareness campaigns and local strategies to address issues like illegal mining and internal crimes.

Education and Population Concerns

The ACF highlighted the dire state of education in the region, particularly the growing number of out-of-school children, and urged northern governors to intensify efforts in addressing this issue. The forum also stressed the importance of balancing the fast-growing population through public policy and law.

Recommendations

• Governance: Northern governors should adopt a coordinated approach to address security, education, agriculture, and health challenges.
• Federal Engagement: The Federal Government should welcome constructive criticism and make policy adjustments to reflect the realities of the region.
• Electricity: Improve power supply to support economic growth and alleviate poverty.
• Food Security: Address the food crisis through long-term measures like achieving food self-sufficiency.

Commendation for the League of Northern Democrats

The ACF endorsed the League of Northern Democrats, a group led by Dr. Umar Ardo, which aims to address Northern challenges through collective action.

However, the forum stressed the importance of prioritizing immediate, actionable solutions over long-term political strategies.

Call to Action

The ACF emphasized the urgency of leadership collaboration and community engagement to revitalize Northern Nigeria. “We must prioritize economic empowerment, education, infrastructure development, and security to ensure sustainable growth for our region,” Osuman stated.