COALITION OF NORTHERN GROUPS ADAMAWA STATE HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS AND POLICY DEMANDS

 

By Ibrahim Abubakar Jimeta Yola.

The Adamawa State chapter of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), led by its Coordinator, Abubakar Daware, held a press conference today to highlight the mounting challenges faced by the people of Adamawa State and the Northern region due to recent economic policies by the Federal Government. Addressing journalists and stakeholders, the group called for immediate policy adjustments to alleviate widespread economic hardship.

Mr. Daware began by expressing deep concern over the growing difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians. He criticized the removal of subsidies on essential services such as fuel, electricity, foreign exchange, and education, which he said have caused inflation to soar and worsened poverty. The introduction of new tax reform proposals, he argued, could further destabilize the already fragile economy of Adamawa State and the Northern region.

"The timing of these tax reforms is highly inappropriate. They threaten to impose an unbearable financial burden on households and businesses that are already struggling to survive," he stated.

The Coalition presented a series of demands to the Federal Government aimed at addressing the pressing economic challenges:

The group demanded an immediate halt to discussions on new tax reforms until broad consultations are conducted with key stakeholders, including representatives from Northern Nigeria.

CNG proposed a revised revenue-sharing formula of 40% for equality, 30% for population, and 30% for derivation, replacing the current formula that they claimed disproportionately benefits resource-rich regions.

The Federal Government was urged to introduce targeted subsidies, affordable loans, and support for small-scale farmers and traders to mitigate the impact of recent policy changes.

The group also called for measures to revitalize trade and infrastructure development in Adamawa State:

Reopening Land Borders: The closure of borders with Cameroon has severely impacted cross-border trade, a critical economic activity for the region.

Completion of Infrastructure Projects: The Coalition demanded the expedited completion of the Yola-Gurin Road and construction of the Jibiro-Belel Road, alongside the dredging of River Benue to address recurrent flooding and boost agriculture.

Mr. Daware highlighted the severe electricity shortages in Adamawa State, where many areas receive power for less than five months annually. He called for immediate investments to improve power generation and distribution, alongside exploring renewable energy solutions to bridge the gap.

The Adamawa State Coalition of Northern Groups emphasized that the Northern region is crucial to Nigeria’s socio-economic stability and urged the Federal Government to adopt equitable policies.

"We are here to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and respected. Adamawa State and the Northern region cannot afford to be left behind in national development," Daware concluded.

The Coalition reiterated its commitment to advocating for the welfare of the people and called on the Federal Government and all stakeholders to act swiftly.