Elder statesmen in Nigeria under the aegis of the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) have urged the President Bola Tinubu-led government to alleviate the suffering of the citizens, including reviewing the prices of petrol and electricity.
Christian Elders also called for improved security, particularly for farmers in rural areas, noting that they are crucial to the nation’s food security.
The elders made the call through a statement by the NCEF Chairman and former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Dr Samuel Danjuma Dani, after their meeting to deliberate on the current state of the nation on Friday, September 27, 2024.
They said: “Following our discussions, we wish to present the following recommendations to the president and government:
“Review of petrol prices: We urge the government to reconsider the recent increase in petrol prices, which have led to a significant rise in the cost of food and other essential commodities.
“Addressing the impact of protests: It is important to acknowledge that the recent protests by some Nigerians were because of the increase in petrol prices and aggravating hardship faced by the populace. We recommend a downward review of petrol prices to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“Reduction in electricity costs: We advocate for a reduction in electricity tariffs to enable Nigerians to produce goods and services more economically. This measure will enhance productivity and create employment opportunities for our burgeoning youth population.
“Enhanced Security Measures: We call for improved security, particularly for farmers in rural areas who are crucial to the nation’s food security. While we recognise the government’s efforts in this regard, we urge for more immediate and effective actions.
“We firmly believe that these straightforward recommendations will significantly alleviate the current hardships experienced by many Nigerians. We trust in the government’s wisdom and political will to implement these measures.”
