Muslim Congress calls for urgent steps to ease economic hardship

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Muslim Congress (TMC) has urged governments at all levels to take swift and practical measures to cushion the impact of ongoing economic reforms on Nigerians.

The National Amir of the body, Alhaji AbdulWasi’i Bangbala, made the call on Sunday in Akure during the Annual State Lecture organised by the Ondo State chapter of the congress to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Represented by the Naibu Amir of External Affairs, Alhaji Abdulhafeez Adebiyi, Bangbala said it was important for Nigerians to appreciate the government’s reform efforts in the spirit of nation-building.

“We recognise the decision aimed at restructuring our economy for long-term stability and growth. However, history also teaches us a timeless lesson: that the true measure of any policy is its impact on the most vulnerable.

“We are compelled by our faith and our conscience to make a passionate appeal to the authorities; please, let urgent and comprehensive measures be put in place to cushion the incapacitating effects of the reforms on the masses,” he said.

Bangbala also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the brewing dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group to prevent further hardship for citizens.

In his lecture, Alhaji Saeed Salma, Deputy Registrar, Council Affairs, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, urged Nigerians at home and abroad to protect the country’s image through responsible conduct.

Earlier, former Ondo State Deputy Governor Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo commended TMC for its contributions to societal development and urged greater Muslim participation in politics for good governance.