Suspend capital projects, address hunger, MACBAN tells FG

The Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government to suspend spending on capital projects, such as road construction, and channel available resources towards subsidising food, medicine and other essential needs in the country.

MACBAN’s National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Ngelzerma, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja amid the tension in the country occasioned by the nationwide hunger protest, which began on August 1.

Nigerians have been facing difficult times over skyrocketing food prices following the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of naira by the Federal Government.

The hunger protesters are calling on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the two policies in order to ease citizens’ burden.

Wading in on Tuesday, the MACBAN President said the government should increase spending on foodstuffs.

“There is no need to spend money on construction; let all capital projects, like road construction and others, stop for a while and address the issue of food security, medicine and security challenges squarely.

“The government should focus on the provision of food and medicine at subsidised rates and affordable for the ordinary man.

“Declare a state of emergency in the economy, suspend all capital projects in the budget and address the issue of food security squarely,” Ngelzerma said.

On insecurity, he urged the government to foster dialogue to resolve the conflict between herders and farmers in the country.

Ngelzerma said, “The government should get the views of those in the forest, farmers, who always complain of bandits’ attack, vigilante groups, who are working to protect their communities against attacks.

“They should get the views of traditional rulers, and religious leaders, get their suggestions on how the problem can be solved and with their input through dialogue, we will get solutions to security challenges.”

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *