Fuel, New Naira Notes Scarcity: CONYSSA Decries Sufferings Of Nigerian Masses, Proffers Solutions
By Bilkisu Adejoh
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has expressed concerns over possible adverse effects of the lingering fuel scarcity, the difficulties imposed on Nigerians by the Naira swap policy and violence on the forthcoming 2023 general election.
The Director General of CONYSSA, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel, who expressed Nigerians’ concerns and pains during a press conference on the state of the nation vis-a-vis insecurity,cash swap and petroleum product scarcity held on Friday 10th February, 2023 in Abuja, said the economic advisers to the government have failed in their capacities, which is hurting the informal sector badly.
Mario appealed to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to listen to the complaints of the Nigerian citizens.
He underscored the importance of peaceful and credible elections for the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy and that of the African region.
“There are fears that if not properly addressed, the crises, including insecurity as well as fuel and naira scarcity, may negatively impact the voters’ turnout and disrupt elections.”
He condemned the sufferings the masses are being put through by policies of government and called on the government to act fast to douse the tension in the country.
Therefore, CONYSSA in collaboration with CSOs proffered solutions and action plans towards ending the mass suffering, saying “That petroleum scarcity should be ended within the shortest possible time as the demand pull on product is no longer attaining equilibrium with the supply available thus queues shall remain but the endurance of citizens are wearing out. 
“The new naira Policy of CBN should be guide effectively so that it does not degenerate into national crises it is visible that there was not template for the takeoff of the policy thereby raising economic concern vis-à-vis its effect on our daily activities most importantly that the rural populace who should be protected from the policy shocks are getting more affected.
“While the ongoing battle against all forms of insecurity in Nigeria persists it is important that a collaborative approach be engaged through non-kinetic approach to speed up the pace of ending the crisis.
“That CBN should introspect on the new naira policy with a policy impact assessment so as to redirect her energy for the success of the policy.
“That CONYSSA in partnership with civil society organizations have constituted a Progress Monitoring Task-Force on the CBN new policy and other related matters.
“The task force is made up 25 outstanding youths and civil society leaders, including
Ade Mario, Okpanachi Jacob, Splendour Agbonkpolor, Friday James Onu, Kennedy Taboko, Arome Obaje, and others.
“That the task force shall be saddled with the mandate of
Ensuring strict adherence to CBN and Government regulations on the subject matter.
“Shall complement Government effort in ensuring the success of the cash swap policy by monitoring observing and reporting defaulting agencies to the relevant authorities for further action”.
And “build a network of monitoring volunteers across the country with view to ending all forms of sabotage.”
Speaking also, the convener, Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, said the policy has good potential, noting that the implementation is poor and absolutely below par.
With the challenges faced by Nigerians, especially people from the rural areas, he said the government should hasten solutions to end the current cash crunch.
“How do you explain where someone goes into a banking hall and stripped him or herself naked due to the inability to access newly redesigned notes? Or a man who slept over at the filling station queuing for PMS?, Okpanachi asked.
He added that the inability to bear the hardship is escalating and degenerating into a situation that if not curbed, could lead to the breakdown of law and order.
Reacting further, the President, Nigeria Female Youth Organization (NFYO), Princess Mimi Peter, stated that the toll of hardship on the citizens is unbearable, particularly as this has more effect on the women as such should be addressed at the shortest possible time.
Princess Mimi said the ongoing hardship being experienced by Nigerians, especially women, due to naira and fuel scarcity should be addressed in the interest of national security and economic wellbeing of the citizens.
She added that “the concept of going cashless policy, which we find laudable should not cause undue hardship nor be burdensome to citizens. Access to PMS and other basic needs of life are fundamental to daily existence and survival.”
