The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has once again expressed concern over the hardships being endured by Nigerians, particularly in the northern regions, as a result of the economic policies implemented by the federal government. According to the ACF, these policies have worsened the financial situation for everyday citizens, with the rising cost of living making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
In a recent interview with Arise TV, ACF’s Secretary General, Murtala Aliyu, emphasized that while the forum has been working closely with state governments across the North to encourage effective governance and development, the core economic policies that shape the lives of Nigerians are largely set by the federal government. Aliyu acknowledged the responsibility of state leaders but noted that many of the economic struggles experienced by Nigerians today are rooted in the decisions made at the national level.
“We have raised these issues before, and we continue to make our voices heard,” Aliyu said. “People on the streets are really feeling the pain. They are struggling to put food on the table, and even routine activities, like commuting to work, have become difficult due to rising costs. These are the daily realities faced by Nigerians, especially in the North. While the government has tried to explain its stance, it remains their responsibility to offer a clear plan for when citizens can expect relief from these challenges. As the ACF, we will keep reminding the government that people are suffering and that their concerns cannot be ignored.”
Aliyu explained that ACF has been actively engaging with northern state governments to push for better governance and to remind them of their role in alleviating the burden on citizens. He highlighted that while the federal government has a major role in setting economic policy, state governments also have significant responsibilities to fulfill at the local level, where they can directly impact people’s lives.
“First, let me clarify that our engagement with the state governments is continuous and multi-level. We meet with them through the governors’ forum and also individually. Beyond that, we work with traditional rulers and community leaders who are influential at the grassroots level,” Aliyu said. “Where there are issues that need to be addressed at the state level, we bring them to the attention of the governors and other officials. We’re not solely blaming the federal government for all the challenges facing the North or the nation as a whole. We recognize that issues like security, basic services, and some economic matters require a coordinated response at all levels.”
He continued by saying that while the federal government sets the overarching economic agenda, state governments are responsible for implementing policies in ways that can directly benefit their residents. “The federal government is in a position to address national economic issues, but on a more local level, the state and sub-national governments have a role to play in mitigating these challenges,” Aliyu stated. “We are actively engaging with them, emphasizing that each level of government has a role in addressing the needs of the people, especially those at the grassroots who are the most affected.”
Aliyu’s comments underline a balanced approach, as he stressed that ACF is not aiming to place blame on any one entity. Instead, he called for a collaborative effort across all levels of government to address the economic and social challenges facing Nigerians. “We’re not saying that all the blame should fall on a single person, office, or location,” he said. “What we are calling for is for leaders at every level—federal, state, and local—to take responsibility. People at the grassroots are suffering, and they are speaking out about it. We expect to see action from those in positions of power to address these complaints and deliver on their promises to improve conditions.”
Aliyu also pointed out that the ACF expects more transparency and accountability from the federal government regarding when citizens can expect improvements in their daily lives. “People have been promised change, and they are eagerly waiting to see these promises turn into reality,” he said. “We want a timeline, a sense of when Nigerians can expect these economic pressures to ease. It’s vital for the government to communicate openly and to take steps that directly impact people’s lives for the better.”
Through these efforts, ACF aims to foster an environment where governance is not only top-down but also responsive to the needs of ordinary people. Aliyu’s statements reflect ACF’s commitment to ensuring that leadership at all levels stays accountable and focused on addressing the urgent issues impacting everyday Nigerians.
