Protests: Gbajabiamila, NSA, Top Government Officials in Closed-door Talks in Aso Rock

In a crucial closed-door session at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, is currently in discussions with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and several ministers, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso.

The meeting, initiated by the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, commenced at approximately 5:30 pm and aims to address pressing concerns, particularly the escalating prices of food items triggering unrest in various states.

Key figures present include Ministers of Education, Dr Tahir Mamman; Finance, Wale Edun; Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; and State for Agriculture, Sabi Abdullahi.

While the specific agenda remains undisclosed, sources within the presidency indicate a focus on food security, with particular attention to the current spike in food prices nationwide.

This high-level discussion follows recent protests in Minna, Niger State, where women blocked the Minna-Bida Road, demanding urgent action to alleviate what they referred to as ‘hunger in the land.’ Similar sentiments were echoed by enraged youths in Kano, prompting assurances from the state governor, Abba Yusuf, to convey their grievances to President Bola Tinubu.

Security operatives faced resistance during attempts to disperse the Minna protest, as tear gas and arrests failed to quell the determined crowd.

Details on the outcomes of this closed-door meeting are expected to be released later.