Group unveils ‘Nigeria First’ project, warns against over heating polity

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisastions has unveiled a flagship project entitled: ‘NIGERIA FIRST’, warning groups against over heating polity.

A statement issued by Hamza Umar Saulawa, Project Coordinator and Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar Unguwa,Katsina ,
Project Director, Research and Documentation, said the ‘Nigeria First’ Project, was to say enough is enough to internal and external forces that are busy undermining the country, overheating the polity, and misrepresenting Nigeria and everything about the country.

“We say no to those who mislead millions of our compatriots into believing that there is nothing good about Nigeria.

“Contrary to the campaign against Nigeria by cynics,we have seen a brighter future for Nigeria. For example Nigeria has the biggest economy in Africa with a GDP of $514 Billion. During the third quarter of 2023 our GDP rose by 3.46 from 2.54.

“Nigeria is the tenth oil producing country in the world. With proven reserves of 37 Billion barrels,Bonny Light which is the best and sought after all over the world. Nigeria has over 84 million hectares of arable land with competitive advantage in producing cotton, palm oil, Sorghum,Cassava etc.

“We are blessed with 44 minerals that are exportable. Nigeria has a healthy, young and vibrant population with age median of 18.6 years. With patience and consistent reform implementation, Nigeria can realize its objective of attaining $1 Trillion economy by 2026. “

The coalition said the present government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has campaigned vigorously during the last general elections, promising to end a corrupt -ridden fuel subsidy regime.

“On 29th May,2023, the president took the initial painful but necessary step by announcing end to an untransparent system.
Consequently, our fuel imports has now reduced by 50 per cent. The FAAC shared for the 3 tiers of government rose from N11.7 to 26.04. Although the subsidy removal is accompanied by rising cost of living, it has the prospects of making the oil sector very competitive,and neutralizing a menace called oil cartel. Reversing to the corrupt fuel subsidy regime in which oil cartel and their collaborators held sway,in our candid opinion is not the uhuru.

“We anticipate government at sub-national level to utilize the windfall from the subsidy removal to improve the living condition of their people.

“We believe that for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in fuel production it must increase its capacity in refining.Therefore,With the commencement of operation by Dangote refinery and the recent cheering news by the GMD,NNPCL,Mr. Mele Kyari that in the next coming 2 weeks,The Port Harcourt refinery will resume operation,we have confidence that the end to fuel Palaver in Nigeria is in sight.

“One of the qualities of a good citizen is patience. We Nigerians should continue to exercise patience and support our leaders so that they will be able to deliver on their pledges. Nigeria first, is a citizen-driven civic Initiative aimed at motivating young Nigerians not lost hope in the viability of their country. It deploys bottom-up approach by engaging the youth, to have a change of mindset about Nigeria.

This is our country,and we don’t have any other country. So, let us play the role of good citizens by showcasing the good about Nigeria. We have vibrant Nigerian youth who are now leading in Fintech, Nollywood, Arts and Musics and other sectors,this means like in every clime, there are good and noble people in Nigeria.”