By Luminous Jannamike

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has issued a 15-point demand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to take immediate action to address the country’s hunger crisis.

In an open letter on Saturday, the Convention’s President, Rev Dr Israel Akanji, called on the government to acknowledge the suffering of Nigerians and work towards providing realistic solutions.

The demands include appeals for the government to address food insecurity, mobilize youths to take up farming, create employment opportunities, reduce fuel prices, and stabilize the Naira.

Rev Akanji also urged the government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to douse the current tension in the country and take early warning signals of danger seriously.

The Convention’s demands come as Nigerians continue to protest against economic hardship and insecurity across the country.

Rev Akanji emphasized the need for constant communication with the people and warned that ignoring early warning signals of danger could lead to further disaster.

He said, “The situation is getting out of hand, and we can no longer keep quiet. We are not asking for the moon, we are asking for the basics of life.

“The government should engage in dialogue with stakeholders to douse the current tension in the country and take early warning signals of danger seriously.”

The full list of demands includes:

– Accepting and acknowledging the fact that there is hardship in the land

– Appealing to the people for more patience

– Addressing the security situation to curb food insecurity

– Mobilizing youths to take up farming

– Creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities

– Reducing fuel prices and stabilizing the Naira

– Cutting wages and emoluments of political office holders

– Engaging in dialogue with stakeholders

– Taking early warning signals of danger seriously

– Maintaining constant communication with the people

– Revisiting the fuel subsidy removal policy

– Directing the Apex Bank to rescue the Naira from depreciation

– Ensuring that political office holders’ lifestyles reflect the reality on the ground

– Carrying traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders along before introducing policies that can trigger protests

– Even now, it is expedient that Government should speak to the people. The people are eager to hear.

The Baptist Convention’s demands are the latest in a series of calls for action from religious and civil society groups in Nigeria.