PRESS CONFERENCE BY ABUBAKAR DAWARE, COORDINATOR OF ADAMAWA STATE COALITION OF NORTHERN GROUPS
Date: 11 December, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens of Adamawa State, On behalf of the Adamawa State Coalition of Northern Groups, I extend my gratitude to you for joining us today.
This press conference is convened to address urgent issues impacting the wellbeing of our people in Adamawa State, the Northern region, and Nigeria as a whole.
Introduction
In recent months, life has become increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians due to a series of economic policies that have imposed immense hardship.
The removal of subsidies on essential services such as fuel, electricity, foreign exchange, and education has worsened the living conditions of millions.
These policies have triggered inflation, exacerbated poverty, and strained the resilience of our people.
To compound this hardship, the Federal Government has introduced new tax reform proposals that, if implemented, will further erode the fragile economic foundation of our people.
These policies are ill-timed and inequitable, and they risk plunging Adamawa State and Northern Nigeria into deeper economic distress.
It is against this backdrop that we, the Adamawa State Coalition of Northern Groups, rise to demand immediate redress.
We are here to call for urgent action, propose practical solutions, and ensure that the voices of our people are heard and respected.
1. Suspension of the Tax Reform Bills
The proposed tax reforms represent a grave injustice to the people of Adamawa State and Northern Nigeria. At a time when inflation is soaring, unemployment is rampant, and basic survival is becoming increasingly difficult, these reforms will impose an insurmountable financial burden on struggling households and businesses.
Economic Realities
The majority of our people are rural dwellers, farmers, traders, and small business owners who are already reeling from the impact of subsidy removals. New taxes under these circumstances will only deepen poverty, exacerbate unemployment, and reverse any economic progress achieved.
We, therefore, make the following demands:
Immediate Suspension of the Tax Reforms
Halt any deliberations or implementation of these tax reforms until broad-based consultations are conducted with all stakeholders, including representatives from Northern Nigeria, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Revenue Sharing Formula Adjustment
The current proposed formula of Equality (20%), Population (20%), and Derivation (60%) is unjust and disadvantages Adamawa State and the Northern region.
This formula disproportionately favors resource-rich regions, leaving the North at a severe disadvantage.
We propose a revised formula of:
Equality: 40%
Population: 30%
Derivation: 30%
This adjusted formula reflects the collective contributions of all regions and promotes equity, ensuring that the welfare of non-producing states like Adamawa is not overlooked.
Economic Palliatives
The Federal Government must introduce meaningful economic palliatives to cushion the impact of these reforms. These palliatives should include targeted subsidies, access to affordable loans, and support for small-scale farmers and traders.
2. Opening of Land Borders and Infrastructure Development
Adamawa State’s proximity to Cameroon positions it as a vital trade corridor. Unfortunately, the continued closure of land borders has paralyzed cross-border trade, undermining the livelihoods of farmers, traders, and transporters who depend on these routes.
We urge the Federal Government to:
Reopen Land Borders: This will revive economic activities, create jobs, and stimulate trade within the state and the region.
Complete Key Infrastructure Projects: Expedite the completion of the Yola-Gurin Road and allocate funds for the construction of the Jibiro-Belel Road. These projects are essential for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic productivity.
Dredge River Benue: Prioritize the dredging of River Benue to address flooding, improve agricultural yields, and unlock new economic opportunities for Adamawa State.
3. Stabilization of Electricity Supply
Electricity is a basic necessity for development, yet Adamawa State endures chronic power shortages, with residents receiving electricity for less than five months annually. This neglect has crippled small businesses, hampered industrial growth, and left the state at an economic disadvantage.
We demand immediate intervention to:
Enhance Power Generation and Distribution: Invest in upgrading the power infrastructure in Adamawa State to ensure reliable and consistent electricity supply.
Promote Renewable Energy: Explore renewable energy solutions to bridge the energy deficit and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Conclusion
Adamawa State and the Northern region are critical to Nigeria’s socio-economic stability and development. It is, therefore, imperative that the Federal Government adopts policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the realities of our people.
The Adamawa State Coalition of Northern Groups remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of our people. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that justice is served, and that the voices of Adamawa State and the Northern region are not ignored.
We call on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively to address these pressing issues. The time to act is now—for the benefit of Adamawa State, Northern Nigeria, and the entire nation.
Thank you.
Signed,
Abubakar Daware
Coordinator, Adamawa State Coalition of Northern Groups