Stakeholders in Kwara State have advised the federal government to review its economic policies in light of the economic hardship currently being experienced by average Nigerians.
The attendees, including members of trade organizations, religious groups, farmers’ associations, people with disabilities, security agencies, and traditional institutions, gathered in Ilorin for a town hall meeting organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs. Abiodun Essiet.
The event also served as the launch of the Citizens’ Assembly (a group of volunteers) for the North Central Region and the Listening Tour, aimed at hearing directly from the people and allowing them to contribute to the governance process to bridge the communication gap.
ALSO READ: NMA writes Sanwo-Olu over looming crisis in LASUCOM
One of the speakers, Dr. Hamza Abdulraheem of Jamatul Nasir Islam, commended some of the bold steps taken by the Tinubu administration to address the country’s economic challenges.
However, he urged the federal government to review its economic policies, especially given the current public discontent and protests.
Mohammed Saleh Isiaq criticized the President for not adequately preparing for the removal of the fuel subsidy. He argued that the Nigerian economy, which is heavily reliant on oil, would have benefited from the establishment of modular refineries before the subsidy was removed.
“Nigerian economy revolves around oil. The food crisis and growing insecurity we have come from fuel subsidy removal.
“The policy not too negative, but enough preparation was not made. So, modular refineries is the way out and that will make fuel more readily available”, he said.
Others called for repair of roads connecting Kwara state with neighbouring states, engagement and empowerment of youth, women and people with disabilities in productive ventures, as well as improvement on consultation with people before project implementation.
One of the traditional chiefs of the Emir of Ilorin, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Saliu Woru Mohammed, stated that not everything is political.
He called for improved communication between the federal government and the public, emphasizing that people’s opinions should be considered rather than imposing projects on them to foster better relationships.
He also commended the federal government on local government autonomy.
In her speech, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, noted that a gap in trust and communication between the federal government and local communities has been caused by alleged unfulfilled promises by successive governments over the past 25 years since the return to democratic rule.
Mrs. Essiet explained that the current administration, through her office, has initiated the Citizens Assembly for the North Central Region and the Listening Tour to hear directly from citizens and incorporate their input into the governance process, aiming to bridge the communication gap.
The purpose of our meeting today is threefold: To Listen: We are here to listen to your concerns, your challenges, and your aspirations. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what is working and where we need to do more.
