The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently introduce a comprehensive six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan, warning that Nigeria is grappling with a worsening combination of insecurity and economic hardship that requires immediate and coordinated intervention.
The lawmakers made the call during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja, where they expressed deep concern over what they described as a steady deterioration in the country’s security situation and economic stability.
According to the caucus, the current realities confronting Nigerians demand extraordinary measures that go beyond routine policy responses or long-term political considerations.
Led by Minority Leader Hon. Fred Agbedi, the lawmakers said the nation is facing a “critical moment” marked by persistent insecurity, rising inflation, unemployment, and increasing levels of poverty. They argued that these challenges have continued to erode public trust in government institutions and worsen living conditions for millions of citizens across the country.
The caucus stressed that insecurity remains one of the most pressing national concerns, pointing to recurring incidents of kidnapping, armed attacks, communal violence, and general instability in several regions. They expressed particular concern about the safety of citizens in both rural communities and urban centres, noting that fear of violence has disrupted daily life, farming activities, business operations, and access to education in some areas.
They also referenced recent cases of abductions and killings that have drawn national attention, describing such incidents as indicators of a broader security crisis that requires urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture. According to them, the inability to swiftly and decisively address these challenges continues to undermine confidence in the state’s capacity to protect its citizens.
On the economic front, the Minority Caucus highlighted the rising cost of living as a major source of distress for Nigerian households. They noted that inflationary pressures have significantly reduced purchasing power, while unemployment and underemployment remain high, particularly among young people. The lawmakers said many families are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, healthcare, and education.
They further argued that economic reforms introduced by the government, while aimed at long-term stability, have in the short term increased hardship for many Nigerians. As a result, they called for urgent relief-oriented interventions alongside structural reforms to prevent further deterioration in living standards.
The caucus also raised concerns about what they described as growing political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections. They cautioned against allowing political activities and election preparations to overshadow urgent governance priorities. According to them, national attention should be focused on stabilising the country rather than intensifying political competition at this stage.
As part of their proposal, the lawmakers called for the suspension or scaling down of political activities linked to the 2027 elections for a defined period, arguing that such a step would allow government institutions to concentrate fully on governance and crisis management. They also urged the Federal Government to declare and implement a six-month national recovery programme focused specifically on security stabilization and economic relief.
In addition, the Minority Caucus demanded a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security framework. They called for improved coordination among security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, and increased investment in personnel, equipment, and technology to combat rising insecurity more effectively. They also emphasised the need for urgent rescue operations for citizens currently held by kidnappers and armed groups.
On governance and democratic processes, the lawmakers urged stronger institutional independence and accountability, insisting that democratic structures must be protected from political interference. They warned that weakening democratic institutions could further destabilise the country at a time when unity and effective governance are most needed.
The caucus concluded by urging President Tinubu to “prioritise governance over politics,” stressing that the immediate focus of government should be restoring security, stabilising the economy, and rebuilding public confidence. They pledged continued legislative oversight and accountability efforts, stating that the National Assembly must play a key role in ensuring that the executive takes swift and effective action in response to the country’s current challenges.
The call adds to ongoing national debate about security reforms and economic recovery strategies, as Nigeria continues to navigate a complex landscape of social and economic pressures. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
