BACCIMA decries economic hardship, questions governance direction in Nigeria
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a worsening governance crisis in Nigeria, citing economic hardship, security challenges, and a growing disconnect between government policies and the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
In a civic reflection issued in Bauchi, the President of BACCIMA, Aminu Mohammed Danmaliki, said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has so far failed to translate its reform agenda into tangible relief for Nigerians.
He noted that since the government assumed office, inflation has surged, fuel prices have skyrocketed, the naira has depreciated sharply, and the cost of food and transportation has become unbearable for many households.
Danmaliki criticized what he described as policy decisions driven by long-term economic theories without adequate short-term cushioning measures for the poor, stressing that governance should prioritise human survival and dignity.
On security, BACCIMA raised concerns over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on foreign powers for intelligence and logistics, questioning the strength of the country’s sovereign security architecture.
“While acknowledging that international cooperation is normal, the chamber warned against outsourcing core responsibilities of national security,” he said
The statement also questioned perceptions that key economic functions, including fiscal reforms and advisory frameworks, are influenced by foreign interests, arguing that national policies must ultimately be decided in line with Nigeria’s interests.
According to BACCIMA, the most troubling issue remains the widening gap between policy-makers and the suffering populace. The chamber emphasized that criticism of government policies should not be viewed as sabotage, but as a patriotic call for accountability.
“Demanding answers and asking where the government is, is a civic duty,” the statement concluded.
