‘There is need for policies that specifically address high inflation rates’

Past leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students’ (NANS) under the umbrella of former NANS Leaders Forum have said there is a need for policies that specifically address the high inflation rates. Briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, NANS President 1999/2000, Tijani Kabiru, said this could include measures to stabilize the naira, control food […]

Past leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students’ (NANS) under the umbrella of former NANS Leaders Forum have said there is a need for policies that specifically address the high inflation rates.

Briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, NANS President 1999/2000, Tijani Kabiru, said this could include measures to stabilize the naira, control food prices, and subsidize essential goods temporarily to ease the burden on the population.

According to Kabiru: “Huge investment in infrastructure is crucial for supporting economic diversification. Improved roads, adequate power supply, and security is needed to boost agricultural yield and industrialization which in turn will lead to sustainable economic growth and development.

“Consistent and transparent policies that are properly communicated to the public will build investor confidence and promote economic stability.

“Government owes her citizens adequate security and every form of insecurity should be holistically addressed considering that a safe society is necessary for socio-economic growth, peace and stable democracy.”

On the planned nationwide protest, he said had received calls to join.

He, however said the Forum will interact with relevant stakeholders and sister organisations and subsequently make its’ position known to Nigerians.

“We have received calls for a nationwide protest. We acknowledge the widespread frustration over the high cost of living, the increased cost of transportation; the inadequacy and unaffordability of medical services that have left many without access to necessary healthcare; and the near-total absence of viable means of livelihood which has created an environment of economic instability and despair.

“We deeply empathize with all Nigerians in these struggles and understand the depth of the pain. However, the Forum will interact with relevant stakeholders and sister organisations and subsequently make its’ position known to Nigerians on the above mentioned issue,” he said.