The Director General of the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), Kunle Yusuff, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review and consider more people-friendly tariffs for electricity in Nigeria.
Speaking at a CSCHEI media chat with heads of CSOs, CBOs and FBOs in Abuja on Tuesday, Yusuff stated that the current electricity tariffs have become a burden on average Nigerians amidst the government’s economic policies and hardship faced by many.
“As a bridge between the government and the masses, it has become a compelling imperative for us to, at this juncture, call upon Mr. President, as a matter of urgency, to review the relationship between the government and CSOs, NGOs, CBOs, and FBOs,” Yusuff said.
“The government should also consider a more people’s friendly tariff on electricity,” he stated.
Yusuff praised some of the current administration’s efforts, including the actions of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under suspended Minister Betta Edu.
However, he emphasised the need for the government to address the challenges faced by Nigerians, including persistent insecurity, the high cost of public education, and economic hardship.
Yusuff also commended the recent investigative work by John Obazee, the Special Investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government business entities, calling for further investigations into agencies like the NNPCL, NPA, NIMASA, and Customs.
He said, “the cost of public higher education is becoming relatively too high for average Nigerians. It’s also important for CSOs to play an active role in reviewing the submission of the Presidential Tax Reforms Committee.
“The Civil Society should also monitor and evaluate 2024 Budget implementations. The Civil Society Organisation should also join various government establishments to fight corruption and encourage the government to fight insecurity.
“We acknowledge and appreciate Mr. President efforts on the methodology adopted on the Ministry of Humanitarian and Hon. Minster Bette Edu.
“We would also like to thank Mr. President and Commander-In-Chief of Federal Republic of Nigeria for the engagement of John Abase, the Special Investigator on CBN and other Government Business Entities.
“The report on the public domain showed that the consultant handled his mandates professionally. We CSOs in Nigeria really want to know the status of the special investigator reports, most importantly appealing to permit this bold and professional special investigator to further investigate NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, CUSTOM and others for dear country financial stability.
“As we have all pledged our allegiance to National Unity. the registered Civil Society Organisation under the unbrella of CSCHEI are ready available to partner and collaborate with Government at all levels on Development, Security Enhancement and Corruption Advocacy EFCC in accordance with the law of the land.”
He also urged the government to strengthen and make the student loan scheme more robust, transparent, and accessible to needy students across the country.
Yusuff emphasised the importance of an effective student loan program in producing a skilled and educated workforce to drive sustainable development.
“We strongly identify with the education support intervention of students’ loan schemes,” Yusuff stated.
“We are calling on the Government to make the scheme robust, transparent, and accessible to needy Nigerians to enable us to generate the pool of educated young people with the necessary technical and managerial skills needed to galvanize the next generation and sustain the present momentum on the path of Sustainable Development Goals.”
Yusuff acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts in promoting Nigeria’s image globally but called for more diplomatic engagements.
“We also appreciate Mr. President for his tenacity in projecting the image of Nigeria to the global community; we want him to put more effort into diplomatic engagements,” he said.
The CSCHEI also announced plans to conduct parallel research, monitoring, evaluation, and rating of the President’s appointees, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to accountability and transparency in governance.