As Nigeria battles to survive economic crises and insecurity, which triggered poverty, unemployment, and persisting hardships, which leads to groups planning to stage protests by demanding President Tinubu’s government address issues bedeviling the country that lead to citizens suffering.
Following the demonstrations and planned protest, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has charged the Nigerian governments, both federal and state, to swing into action and devise a mechanism that will reduce prices of daily consumable goods like bread, garri, beans, yam, and rice to reduce the suffering.
The organization made this call in a statement on Monday, July 29, 2024, signed by the organization’s president, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, which maintained neutrality in the protest and calls for subsidizing public transportation, immediate economic relief, and the Youth Intervention Program.
Full Statement Reads;
“Good day, everyone. We are here representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), which stands for over 120 million Nigerian youths both at home and abroad. We are here to discuss the planned nationwide hunger protests and share our recommendations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the economic challenges in Nigeria.
“Current Situation:
“We recognize President Tinubu’s efforts to improve the national economy and modernize outdated systems. However, these changes have significantly increased the cost of living, making life difficult for many, especially the youth. Many young people are struggling with unemployment and underemployment.
“These tough conditions have led many youths to support the planned hunger protests. The protest has gained strong backing from various youth leaders. Our National Executive Council (NEC), the 36 State Chapters, the FCT, the 774 LGAs, and our 104 affiliate organizations are all feeling the pressure to support the protest. This requires immediate action from NYCN leadership.
“Concerns and Exclusion:
“We are also concerned that NYCN is being left out of important national programs and projects that require youth involvement. Despite our support for national development and President Tinubu’s plans, NYCN has not been included in key meetings and discussions.
“Demands and Recommendations:
“To address these issues, we have developed the following demands and recommendations to tackle economic hardships and reduce tension:
“IMMEDIATE STEPS TO DOUSE HEIGHTENED TENSION.
“Government at the Federal and State level should swing into action to reduce prices of daily consumable goods like Bread, Garri, Beans, Yam,Rice etc, to enable the down trodden feed
“Importers of consumable items should be granted granted Tax Holiday immediately to help reduce prices of daily consumable goods.
“A joint National Committee Comprising Youth Representatives, Govt Reps, Civil Society Organizations, Labour Reps, Student Rep, Women Reps, Disabled People , Farmers association, Manufacturers Association, and Religious Leaders, et cetera, should be formed and inaugurated immediately to formulate realistic and conscious measures to cushion the effects of hunger in the Land.
“This Committee must remain until Nigerians fill the impact they deserve as a Nation.
- Meeting with NSA and President Tinubu: We request the National Security Adviser (NSA) to meet with a delegation from NYCN to discuss government plans to reduce the high cost of living. Following this, we ask for a meeting with President Tinubu to discuss other important national issues that will help maintain peace and order in Nigeria. These meetings will reinforce NYCN’s role as a bridge between the government and the youth.
- National Youth Conference: We urgently need a National Youth Conference where government officials and youth leaders from across the country can identify problems and propose both long and short-term solutions.
- Youth Intervention Program: We suggest the government start a national youth peer-to-peer program to help reduce support for the planned hunger protest.
- Economic Relief Measures: We recommend the government implement immediate economic relief measures such as subsidies on essential goods, job creation programs for youth, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost employment.
- Education and Skill Development: We urge the government to invest in vocational training and education programs that will equip young people with the skills needed for the modern job market. This includes partnerships with private sector companies to ensure training is aligned with industry needs.
- Agricultural Support: We recommend the government provide more support to young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs through grants, loans, and training programs. This can help increase food production and reduce food prices.
- Healthcare Access: We call on the government to improve access to affordable healthcare, especially for low-income families and the unemployed. This includes expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and increasing funding for public health facilities.
- Transparency and Accountability: We urge the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of economic policies. Regular updates and open communication can help build trust and ensure that resources are being used effectively.
- Public Transportation: We recommend improving and subsidizing public transportation to reduce travel costs for working-class Nigerians. Affordable and reliable transportation is crucial for daily commuting and accessing job opportunities.
“Conclusion:
“We believe that if these demands and recommendations are addressed, it will help alleviate the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
“Build the Youth, Build the Nation.”
Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo
President, NYCN.
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