Youth Leaders Want Tinubu to Find Urgent Solution to Rising Cost of Living

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his advisers have been urged to come up with appropriate measures to stem the rising costs of goods and services engendered by the US/Israel war with Iran.

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) made the call in a statement issued by the President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, made available to the media yesterday, saying that the current situation has already become unbearable.

The group expressed “deep concern over the  increase in the prices of petrol, food items, goods, and essential services across Nigeria” and demanded for presidential intervention.

“The current economic situation has placed unbearable hardship on millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to meet their daily needs,” COSEYL lamented.

It noted that the price of petrol has risen from about N900 to as high as N1,500 per litre in several parts of the country, adding that “this sharp increase has triggered an astronomical rise in the cost of transportation, food, goods, and services.

“Similarly, the prices of diesel and other petroleum products have also increased significantly, further worsening the economic pressure on businesses and households.

“These developments have created a situation where the cost of living continues to rise daily, while the salaries and incomes of citizens remain largely static,” the group stated.

The youth leaders reminded the President that “many Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, and healthcare. Small businesses are also struggling to survive due to the high cost of energy and logistics.”

COSEYL, which describes itself as the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South-east geopolitical zone, insisted that the federal government should not fold its arms and watch Nigerians continue to suffer.

It warned that “if urgent measures are not taken to address this situation, the economic hardship facing Nigerians may deepen further and lead to severe social consequences.

“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government to take immediate and decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”

COSEYL suggested that measures to be taken by federal government should include “policies aimed at stabilising the price of petroleum products, strengthening the value of the naira, supporting local production, and providing relief programs for citizens and small businesses.”

Not only that, the youth leaders also urged federal government to engage relevant stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions that will reduce the cost of living and restore hope to Nigerians.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources and hardworking citizens. What Nigerians need at this critical time is responsive leadership and practical economic policies that will ease the burden on the people,” COSEYL said.

The group reiterated its commitment “to promoting peace, unity, and constructive engagement in national development.”

“We believe that with urgent intervention, the current economic challenges can be addressed for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the youth leaders said.