South-East Youths Demand Urgent Action from Tinubu on Soaring Living Costs
Youth leaders from Nigeria's South-East region have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the escalating cost of living across the nation, urging President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to address this pressing issue. The Coalition of South East Youths Leaders (COSEYL) expressed deep concern over the economic challenges facing citizens, highlighting the severe impact on daily life.
Economic Hardships Intensify
In a recent statement, COSEYL lamented that prices for essential items such as petrol, food, goods, and services have skyrocketed, plunging Nigerians into unprecedented suffering. The group's President General, Goodluck Ibem, emphasized that the current economic climate has imposed unbearable hardship on millions of people who are already struggling to meet their basic needs.
Fuel Price Surge Triggers Widespread Effects
The coalition pointed to a dramatic increase in fuel pump prices, which have risen from approximately N900 to as high as N1,500 per litre in various parts of the country. This sharp hike has led to an astronomical rise in transportation costs, food prices, and other essential services. Additionally, diesel and other petroleum products have become nearly unaffordable, exacerbating economic pressures on both businesses and households.
Disparity Between Costs and Incomes
COSEYL raised concerns about the widening gap between escalating prices and stagnant incomes. The group noted that while the cost of living continues to climb daily, salaries and other sources of income for citizens remain largely unchanged. This situation has left many Nigerians unable to afford necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare. Small businesses are also facing severe challenges, struggling to survive due to high energy and logistics costs.
Call for Government Intervention
In response to these challenges, COSEYL has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to implement immediate and decisive measures to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. The group recommended several policy actions, including:
- Stabilizing the price of petroleum products to reduce inflationary pressures.
- Strengthening the value of the naira to improve purchasing power.
- Supporting local production to boost economic resilience.
- Providing relief programmes for citizens and small businesses to mitigate financial strain.
The youth leaders emphasized that urgent action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of living standards and to support the well-being of all Nigerians.
