Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Urges “Human Face” in Economic Policies Amidst Hardship
The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government, calling for the immediate implementation of people-centred policies designed to alleviate the severe economic hardship currently gripping the nation. The prominent religious organisation has implored leaders across all three tiers of government to prioritise interventions that offer tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, underscored the necessity of implementing reforms with a distinct “human face.” Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the society’s Extraordinary General Meeting in Lagos, Kazeem acknowledged the appreciation for certain reforms introduced by the current administration. However, he candidly stated that these policies are having a profound and often harsh impact on the common man.
“Things are not easy for a lot of people, and because of where the society sits, we see a lot of what people are experiencing,” Kazeem explained. “So when we speak, we speak with a lot of authority on how people feel at the grassroots and community levels. The feedback is that some of the policies the government is implementing are greatly appreciated in terms of turning things around, but they are having a harsh effect on regular people.”
He stressed the importance of government always considering how to bring the populace along, ensuring that policies are implemented with empathy and consideration for their real-world consequences. “Now, in terms of policies, of course, we cannot dictate to the government, but we also hope that whatever policies this government continues to generate will have a human face at any given point in time,” the National President added.
Kazeem specifically highlighted the global geopolitical landscape, referencing the US-Iran conflict as a factor contributing to rising petrol prices and escalating the cost of essential goods. He urged the government to intervene to mitigate these external pressures on Nigerian citizens. “So, when these things happen, the government must also try to respond by helping people, even if it is on a short- or long-term basis,” he stated.
Echoing these sentiments, the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, implored the government to adopt policies that would genuinely ease the suffering of Nigerians.
Key Recommendations for Economic and Security Policies:
- Economic Relief: Implement policies that alleviate the hardship faced by the majority of Nigerians, rather than exacerbating their current difficult situation.
- Inflation Control: Focus on strategies to reduce the rate of inflation, thereby increasing the purchasing power of citizens.
- Employment Generation: Prioritise initiatives that create more job opportunities to address the high unemployment rate.
- Security Enhancement: Ensure the security of lives and property across the nation.
Sheikh Ahmad also addressed the persistent issue of insecurity in Nigeria. He observed that while the country is not short of ideas to combat this challenge, the critical factor remains effective implementation.
He expressed support for the government’s proposed decentralisation of policing, viewing it as a positive step towards enhancing national security.
- The society backs the government’s efforts to decentralise policing.
- Support is extended to the concepts of state police and community policing, with the hope that these measures will lead to general improvements in security.
However, Sheikh Ahmad also cautioned that the government needs to be more innovative in its approach to combating banditry, noting that bandits appear to be growing bolder and more daring. He emphasised the crucial need for proper coordination, not competition, among the various security agencies to achieve greater effectiveness.
Nigeria has been navigating a period of escalating economic challenges in recent years. These difficulties have been fuelled by a confluence of factors, including persistently high inflation, elevated fuel prices, and the increasing cost of basic goods and services. The cumulative effect has been a significant decline in the purchasing power of many households, leading to widespread calls from civil society organisations, religious bodies, and labour unions for government policies that place the welfare of citizens at the forefront.
The economic pressures have created a difficult environment for many Nigerians.
Calls for government intervention have become increasingly vocal.
The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society’s leadership has been actively engaging with these concerns.
The society’s meeting provided a platform for critical discussion.
Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, speaking at the event.
Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad sharing his perspectives.
Discussions covered both economic and security matters.
The emphasis was on practical solutions for citizens.
The need for effective policy implementation was a key theme.
Community leaders were present at the meeting.
The society represents a significant voice within the community.
