The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticized policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu's administration, attributing them to the worsening living standards, inflation, and unemployment in Nigeria.

Following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, the ACF issued a statement expressing concern over the deteriorating economic conditions, which it warned could lead to social chaos, especially in northern Nigeria.

The forum highlighted that average citizens are increasingly facing inflation, unemployment, and declining living standards, compounded by ongoing insurgency, terrorism, and banditry. The ACF particularly pointed to the northern region where these issues are most severe.

In a communiqué signed by its National Spokesman, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF noted that government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the introduction of new taxes and levies, are significantly contributing to the economic hardship experienced by citizens.

"NEC decries with grave concern the continuing deterioration and escalation in insecurity-related incidents across all three geopolitical zones in the north," the communiqué read. "These issues reflect the region's cascading political, social, and economic challenges. The protracted nature of these problems, if left unaddressed, could lead to widespread social unrest."

The ACF also highlighted growing regional disparities in access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic opportunities, and political participation, warning that these disparities could further divide the country.

The forum called for urgent government action to address the declining living conditions and alleviate the burden of new taxes and levies on ordinary Nigerians. It stressed the need for public policy programs aimed at increasing purchasing power and improving economic conditions.

The communiqué emphasized that policies enacted over the past months, such as subsidy removal, the floating of the Naira, and rising electricity tariffs, have exacerbated economic difficulties. It also criticized government spending practices, urging public officials to exercise fiscal responsibility.

The ACF expressed support for Nigeria's security forces in their efforts to combat criminality and maintain stability, hoping for their success in overcoming insurgents, terrorists, and bandits. "God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria," the communiqué concluded.