In a bid to address rising economic concerns and prevent potential unrest, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to postpone their planned protests. The appeal was made public by the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the State House following a meeting with the President on Tuesday.
Minister Idris conveyed the President’s message, emphasizing that there is no need for the protest as the government is actively working on addressing the issues raised by the citizens. “Mr. President does not see any need for the planned protest. He has asked them to shelve that plan and await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris stated.
The planned demonstration, which has been gaining significant support on social media, is scheduled to occur across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The protest is a response to the escalating economic hardship driven by soaring food prices and basic commodities, largely attributed to the government’s recent policies on petrol subsidy removal and forex unification.
Authorities, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the House of Representatives, have cautioned against the protest. Additionally, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Senator Ali Ndume have urged the President to consider the demands of the protesting citizens, primarily the youth.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has warned that the protest could escalate into violence and property destruction, reminiscent of the EndSARS protests against police brutality in October 2020.
Minister Idris reassured Nigerians that the government is implementing several measures to alleviate the current economic challenges. He highlighted the recent rapid passage of the National Minimum Wage bill by the National Assembly as an example of the President’s commitment to improving living conditions. “Today, the National Assembly has expeditiously passed the bill on National Minimum Wage. You can see how the President is working; it was transmitted only yesterday and today it has been passed,” he said.
The government has also begun distributing grains and rice to state governments as a short-term relief measure. Idris emphasized that future interventions would ensure direct benefits to the intended recipients, avoiding middlemen.
One significant initiative is the student loan program, which aims to make higher education accessible to all, regardless of their financial background. “Mr. President is very passionate about it, that everyone who should go to school will have the opportunity to do so,” Idris explained.
Additionally, the government is working on schemes to support unemployed graduates until they secure jobs, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive progress.
The meeting between Minister Idris and the President also covered the improvement of government media organizations such as NTA, FRCN, NAN, and VON, ensuring they are well-positioned to serve as reliable public information platforms.
Minister Idris reiterated the President’s appeal for patience and trust in the government’s efforts to address the economic difficulties facing the nation, calling on the youth to give the administration more time to implement its plans and improve the country’s economic situation.
