BACCIMA knocks Tinubu for bad economic reforms

By Hassan Ibrahim

The Bauchi Bauchi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing anti-people policies that plunged the country into a deep governance crisis and impoverished Nigerians.

The President of BACCIMA Hon Aminu Muhammed Danmaliki, who stated this while briefing journalists Friday in Bauchi said that policies were introduced with promises of long-term gains, yet no immediate relief mechanism were put in place for the poor, "Governance cannot be theory driven while people are starving."

Danmaliki explained that since the government assumed office, inflation has surged, fuel prices skyrocketed, the naira collapsed, and the cost of food and transportation has become unbearable, adding, "Nigeria today is facing a deep governance crisis, and it is difficult for any honest citizen to pretend otherwise. Under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the lived reality of ordinary Nigerians has deteriorated sharply, not improved."

Danmaliki said the perception that core economic functions such as taxation systems, fiscal reforms, or advisory frameworks are influenced or outsourced to foreign interests, Including France, raises serious questions. A government may consult globally, but decide locally, in line with national interest.

Danmaliki said, "Perhaps the greatest failure is the disconnect between policy-makers and the suffering masses. Leadership is not just about bold reforms, it is about timing empathy, communication, and protection of the vulnerable so, where is the Nigerian Government?

He said that a government that cannot guarantee basic security, presides over mass poverty without cushioning measures, explains hardship but does not reduce it, will naturally face the judgment of history and the people.

"Nigeria is not failing because Nigerians are lazy or incapable Nigeria is falling because leadership choices are disconnected from social reality," he said.

On security, Danmaliki said that Nigerians increasingly feel abandoned. When a government relies excessively on foreign powers especially, the United States for intelligence, logistics, or direction, citizens are right to ask, "Where is our sovereign security architecture? Foreign cooperation is normal, but outsourcing responsibility is not leadership.”