A peace-building foundation has urged the Federal Government to establish a national dialogue forum that will ensure that all voices are heard in the decision-making process in the country to prevent incessant protests over the economic situation in the country.

The Secretary-General of the Lanre-Amuda Peace-Building Foundation (LPF), Mr Lanre Amuda in a statement issued on Sunday said the national discuss forum should include civil society, youth, and marginalised groups in the country.

The foundation also called for the implementation of economic reforms aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil exports.

“This, he said would shore up the value of Naira against major currencies in the world.

Amuda, a Policy and Administrative Management Professional, said the national dialogue forum, inclusive of all stakeholders, was essential for finding a sustainable solution to the current crisis bedeviling the nation.

He said this should be accompanied by economic reforms that support small-scale entrepreneurs and low-income households.

Besides, the Foundation recommended several measures to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on Nigerians.

“These, he said included the introduction of price control on essential goods and services, providing subsidies to cushion the effects of hyperinflation, and supporting local production and manufacturing to strengthen the domestic economy.

The LPF also emphasised the need for increased transparency in social protection programmes to ensure that they effectively reach those most in need.

Aside price controls on essential goods and services, the Foundation recommended support for local industries, and increased transparency in social protection programmes to ensure that no one is left behind, saying these steps are necessary to stabilize the economy and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

In a statement on the protests over economic hardship and an end to bad governance in the country, Amuda reiterated the urgency of a peaceful and inclusive dialogue involving the government, protesters, and all other relevant stakeholders to find sustainable and lasting solutions to the ongoing crisis that has gripped the country.

It said “We recognize the efforts of the current administration, but more needs to be done to ensure that the benefits of these reforms are felt by all Nigerians.

“We urged the government to implement comprehensive economic reforms that address the root causes of the current crisis.

“It would be recalled that the economic challenges in Nigeria have escalated to alarming levels, characterized by a record-high inflation rate of 34.2% as of June 2024, a distressing poverty rate of 40.7%, and an unemployment rate of 33.3%.

“These figures reflect the deepening economic malaise affecting millions of Nigerians, with the brunt of these hardships being borne by the most vulnerable groups in society, including women, children, students, and the elderly.

“The situation has fueled a wave of unrest, as people grapple with rising costs of living, dwindling incomes, and a lack of opportunities.

“We are deeply concerned about the impact of the current economic hardship on the most vulnerable members of our society. The government must take a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of these issues, rather than relying on temporary measures.”

The LPF stressed the necessity for the government to adopt a holistic strategy that goes beyond short-term fixes, urging for structural reforms that would tackle the underlying causes of these economic challenges.

The LPF emphasised the critical need to maintain peace during this tumultuous period just as the Foundation called on protesters to engage in nonviolent and constructive dialogue as a means to effect change.

It said “Protests have historically played a vital role in bringing attention to important issues and sparking change,” the statement noted.

“However, we must ensure that these demonstrations remain peaceful and avoid being hijacked by those with ulterior motives.”

The LPF warned against the potential for violence and the possibility of protests being manipulated by elements with harmful agendas, advocating instead for unity and purpose-driven activism.