FG Issues Fresh Plea: “Please, Don’t Protest”

In a critical move ahead of the scheduled nationwide protest on Wednesday, August 1, the Federal Government has earnestly appealed to Nigerians to reconsider their plans. Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this appeal during a world press conference in Abuja, attended by key government officials.

Akume emphasized that while the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is tirelessly addressing the nation’s challenges, protests are not the solution. “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of this administration,” he stated, highlighting the importance of peace and stability in achieving these objectives.

Since taking office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented bold reforms, including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime. These measures, while necessary, have led to significant adjustments impacting the economy and daily lives.

The administration also inherited a long-standing security situation requiring substantial upgrades in infrastructure and personnel. This has necessitated a considerable allocation of resources from the nation’s limited revenue to secure lives, boost foreign investment confidence, and increase food production by ensuring safe returns to communities.

Senator Akume detailed several initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of economic reforms:

• Financial Support: Five billion Naira was released to each state to support the poor, vulnerable, and elderly.
• Wage Increase: A Wage Award of N35,000 for six months was approved, along with a new National Minimum Wage Act setting the minimum wage at N70,000, effective retroactively from April.
• Food Relief: Distribution of twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state and removal of tariffs on imported food items to reduce prices.
• Agricultural Support: Subsidized farm inputs and fertilizers, with each state receiving sixty-four trailer loads of fertilizers to boost production.
• Infrastructure and Industry Development: Significant investment in roads, railways, and support for MSMEs through the Bank of Industry.
• Social Safety Nets: Over 15 million vulnerable families are benefiting from family support cash grants.
• Youth Development: Establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Youth and the N35 billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

Akume urged Nigerians to prioritize peace and progress, warning of the risks associated with protests, which could be hijacked by criminal elements. He emphasized the government’s openness to dialogue and collaboration to address the nation’s challenges.

“We appeal to Nigerians to pursue the path of peace, dialogue, and collaboration. Together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are realities, and economic growth is a tangible outcome,” Akume concluded.

The Federal Government remains committed to working towards a prosperous and stable Nigeria, urging citizens to support these efforts through peaceful means.