The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) is deeply concerned about the worsening economic hardship being experienced by millions of Nigerians and calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently take measures to ease the suffering of the people.
We ask Mr. President: How can the government continue to increase the cost of living while millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive? Families are bleeding under the weight of hunger, insecurity, unemployment, rising transportation costs, and the erosion of their purchasing power.
NOSCEF therefore calls on the President to urgently reconsider and reverse the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). At a time when the economic lives of many families are already under severe strain, further increases in the price of petroleum products will deepen the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
If the government requires additional revenue to finance its programmes and obligations, it must explore sustainable and less burdensome alternatives rather than repeatedly passing the cost onto citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet.
We urge President Tinubu to use the remaining period of his administration to focus squarely on addressing the urgent suffering of Nigerians. The immediate priority should be restoring hope, improving purchasing power, creating jobs, strengthening security, and addressing the deterioration of critical infrastructure.
NOSCEF believes that the welfare of Nigerians must come before political calculations about future elections. The government should listen to the cries of citizens and respond with policies that provide meaningful relief.
We acknowledge that the administration has made efforts in some areas. However, the continuing hardship across the country demonstrates that much more needs to be done. Nigerians should not be expected to endure indefinite economic pain while being told that relief is around the corner.
We therefore appeal to President Tinubu not to be insulated from the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians by praise-singers or officials who may present a more favourable picture of the economy. Our members live among the people, worship with them, work with them, and experience their struggles. We cannot pretend not to see what is happening around us.
From hunger and insecurity to unemployment, infrastructural decay and declining purchasing power, Nigerians are facing a profound sense of uncertainty and hopelessness. Government must respond with empathy, urgency and practical solutions.
NOSCEF consequently calls on the Federal Government to:
1. Urgently review and reverse the latest PMS pump-price increase
2. Adopt measures that will reduce the cost of living and restore household purchasing power
3. Prioritise employment creation and productive economic opportunities for young Nigerians;
4. Strengthen efforts to address insecurity across the country;
5. Accelerate the provision and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure; and
6. Put the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of all major economic decisions.
The patience of Nigerians should not be mistaken for acceptance of perpetual hardship. This is the time for government to demonstrate empathy, listen to the people and take decisive action to prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of citizens.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the suffering of one Nigerian should concern every responsible leader.
Signed:
Elder Sunday Oibe
Chairman
Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF)
