By Uzair Adam Imam
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed concern over the severe economic hardship currently affecting Nigeria and has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the potential collapse of the nation.
Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, voiced these concerns during a press briefing in Abuja, warning that the situation “portends imminent danger.”
Charanchi emphasized the importance of addressing the escalating hardship that has permeated every segment of Nigerian society, noting that life has become highly unbearable for the majority of citizens.
He stressed that the CNG felt obligated to bring this alarming danger to President Tinubu’s attention, pointing to the potential for a massive revolt against the government.
Charanchi also criticized former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu for worsening the country’s economic situation, making life even more difficult for the vast majority of Nigerians, especially the poor.
He stated, “The suffering of Nigerians is palpable across every stratum. The CNG holds the present and previous governments responsible for creating this dire situation for Nigerians.”
He stated that the current economic indices and data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, with 20 million people, mostly young and within the productive age bracket, either completely unemployed or underemployed.
Charanchi highlighted the growing disillusionment among the populace with the government’s economic policies and institutions, which poses a significant danger to the country.
He noted that inflation has had severe economic consequences, including substantial investment losses, business disruptions, increased poverty, and unemployment.
He added that the insecurity has led to displacement, loss of lives and properties, and psychological trauma, adding, “The widespread hardship has eroded trust in the current government and threatens national unity, peace, and security.”
Charanchi pointed out that overall inflation has risen to 34.19% from 22.41%, a 52.6% increase, while food inflation has surged from 24.82% to 40.66%, a 64% increase within a year—the highest recorded in decades.
He also criticized the significant rise in electricity tariffs, despite no improvement in power supply, noting that the electricity tariff has increased by an average of ₦71.59 to ₦225, a rise of over 200% for band A. Nigeria has experienced multiple national power grid collapses in the past six months, including the most recent on July 6, 2024.
Charanchi also criticized the government’s recent announcement to distribute 880,020 bags of rice nationwide to alleviate hardship, stating that these measures are inadequate to address mass hunger affecting millions of Nigerians.
He added that the president’s cosmetic measures are insufficient to contain the anger of the people, particularly when they are faced with economic hardships, massive hunger, and rampant poverty, while the political class lives in opulence.