Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to deny forex access to Nigerians studying abroad.
President Buhari made the statement during an interview he had with Al Jazeera while on a trip to the Middle East.
When asked by his interviewer if his government would allow Nigerian students abroad have access to forex, Buhari responded saying: ‘those who can afford it’.
Bruce, the Chairman of Silverbird, urged Buhari to be more sensitive to the needs of Nigerians, who voted him into power.
He made his position known in a statement posted on his Facebook account on Monday, March 7.
“This year all tiers of govt, including the Presidency, will spend billions importing cars. If we can afford that, cant we afford #ForexForEducation
“What do we expect parents whose kids have spent 2 years in schools abroad. Should their kids drop out after going so far?”
“Its not a matter of ‘those who can afford it’. The parents aren’t saying they cant afford it. They’re saying they cant get.”
“I am an advocate for #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira but I accept that there are some courses that we don’t offer.”
He further stressed that if the country can provide forex for those going on pilgrimage, it can also do the same for education, stating that education should be a priority.”
“These policies will have the opposite effect of what you intend. Nigerians will take their funds to neighboring nations.”
“We as elected representatives of the people must be sensitive to their needs and reflect this sensitivity in policies.”
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