The National Youth Council of Nigeria has urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to take tangible measures to alleviate the economic hardship of Nigerians. The council, which represents over 120 million Nigerian youths, made the call during a press conference held yesterday.
According to Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, President of NYCN, the council acknowledges the efforts of President Tinubu to improve the economy but notes that the changes have increased the cost of living, making life difficult for many, especially the youth.
The NYCN demands immediate action to address the following:
1. *Reduce prices of daily consumable goods*: The council demands a reduction in the prices of essential items like bread, garri, beans, yam, and rice to make them affordable for the average Nigerian.
2. *Grant tax holidays to importers*: The NYCN requests tax holidays for importers to reduce the cost of goods and services.
3. *Establish a joint National Committee to address hunger*: The council demands the establishment of a committee comprising government representatives, youth leaders, and stakeholders to address hunger and food insecurity.
4. *Meetings with the National Security Adviser and President Tinubu*: The NYCN requests meetings with the National Security Adviser and President Tinubu to discuss government plans and national issues affecting youth.
5. *National Youth Conference*: The council demands a national conference to bring together youth leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss solutions to the economic challenges facing Nigerian youth.
6. *Youth intervention program*: The NYCN requests a youth intervention program to provide support and resources for young people affected by the economic hardship.
7. *Economic relief measures*: The council demands economic relief measures, including subsidies on essential goods, job creation programs, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
8. *Investment in education and skill development*: The NYCN demands investment in vocational training and education programs to equip young people with skills for the modern job market.
9. *Agricultural support*: The council demands support for young farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs through grants, loans, and training programs.
10. *Improved healthcare access*: The NYCN demands improved access to affordable healthcare, especially for low-income families and the unemployed.
11. *Transparency and accountability*: The council demands transparency and accountability in policy implementation and government spending.
12. *Subsidized public transportation*: The NYCN demands subsidized public transportation to reduce travel costs for working-class Nigerians.
The NYCN believes that addressing these demands and recommendations will help alleviate the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians. The council’s call to action comes as the country prepares for planned nationwide hunger protests.
The NYCN’s press conference was attended by representatives from various youth organizations, civil society groups, and media outlets. The council’s demands and recommendations have been widely shared on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for the council’s efforts to address the economic challenges facing the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, Nigerians wait with bated breath to see how the government will respond to the NYCN’s demands and recommendations. One thing is clear: the youth of Nigeria will no longer remain silent in the face of economic hardship and are demanding action from their leaders.
With the fate of Nigeria’s economy and its people hanging in the balance, the government must act swiftly and decisively to address the concerns of the NYCN and the nation at large. The time for change is now.