Former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently reconsider his administration’s economic policies, which he warns are intensifying hardship across Nigeria.
Essien voiced his concerns in a statement released in Abuja, stressing that the prevailing hunger and poverty could lead to widespread discontent and even anarchy if left unchecked.
Essien criticised Tinubu’s approach, especially the swift removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a trigger for the current economic distress.
He argued that the decision, coupled with other recent policies, has led to a steep rise in inflation and left millions struggling to meet basic needs.
“The level of suffering across the country is unprecedented, except perhaps during the Nigerian Civil War,” Essien observed.
“Families are struggling to meet basic needs. The policies, while perhaps well-intentioned, are exacerbating poverty, increasing inflation, and hurting the most vulnerable among us.”
Essien urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to rethink its approach and alleviate the economic strain on Nigerians.
He advised the government to balance efforts to reduce fiscal deficits with measures to prevent further hardship for citizens.
“It is inhuman to continue down this path without a clear plan to ease the burden on the citizens,” he stated.
Essien emphasised the need for fiscal discipline, calling for cuts to government expenditure while cautioning that the sacrifices should not disproportionately affect the most vulnerable.
Essien noted a warning of possible civil unrest: “If urgent action is not taken to stem the hunger, poverty, and discontent in the country, we risk losing the patience of the people, and that could result in dire consequences.”
Essien’s remarks add to a growing chorus of voices calling for economic reforms that prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, a critical issue as the administration faces mounting public scrutiny over its handling of the economy.