In an apparent bid to stem a possible spill over of the unrest by irate Niger State youths over the escalating hard economic situation in the country to Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf Kabir has appealed to the State’s business community to show compassion and empathy to the plight of the masses in the conduct of their businesses.
The Governor who made the appeal during a meeting with some stakeholders within the business community expressed deep concern over the rising cost of living and its effects on the common people and its likely consequences, lamenting that many are finding it difficult to fend for themselves.
He decried the escalating inflationary trend in the country which in all, has negativity affected the living conditions of the ordinary man in the street.
Governor Yusuf blamed the high costs of prices of essential goods ,on monoplistic and exploitative tendencies , noting that the trend can be mitigated if the business community upholds moral and ethical values in the conduct of their businesses.
Notwithstanding the fall of the country’s currency against major currencies of the world, the Governor believes that corrective measures can significantly alleviate the situation.
In a release issued by his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday February 5 , Governor Yusuf ,said it is a compelling responsibility of the state to ensure that the people feel a sense of belonging ,while highlighting his commitment to appreciating the challenges that are being faced by the masses.
According to him, a comprehensive market survey of prices of basic commodities recently conducted ,have revealed a very distressing inflationary trend ,adding that his administration is determined to address the issue through collaborative efforts.
In this regard ,the Governor said a high powered Business Community Consultative Forum will be set up with a view to combating monopolistic and exploitative tendencies ,as well as create a conducive business environment.
He is also mulling an implementationof a price regulatory mechanism to stabiize inflationary trends ,aiming to provide relief to the people.
On their part, leaders of the kano business Community, blamed the harsh economic situation on the high inflationary trends in the country occasioned by high exchange rates, increase in cost of productions, unstable power supply and closure of some Nigerian border posts .
They, therefore, appealed for urgent interventions from the federal government to stabilize the exchange rates.
The biting economic situation in the country which on Monday February 5, forced Niger State youths to take to the streets, is being perceived by Northern states as a huge threat to the already fragile security situation in the Region.
