ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian youths to postpone the planned protest over harsh economic conditions, assuring them that his administration is committed to addressing their grievances. This appeal was made during a meeting with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister conveyed the President’s message to correspondents after the meeting, stating that President Tinubu has urged the youth to remain calm and await the federal government’s response to their concerns. This statement comes in light of plans by some Nigerians to embark on a nationwide protest from August 1 to 10 against the rising cost of living.
The federal government’s spokesperson detailed the discussion with the President, saying, “We also discussed the issue of the country generally and Mr. President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest. Mr. President, he listens to them, he takes what they say seriously, and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.”
Idris further relayed the President’s view that there is no need for the planned protest. “Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas. He has listened to them like I said,” he conveyed.
As part of the efforts to alleviate economic hardship, Idris pointed out that the national assembly has quickly passed the national minimum wage bill, which was only approved on Monday. “A lot is happening quickly. Only today, the national assembly has expeditiously passed the bill on national minimum wage. You can see how President is working hard to ensure everything is addressed. Today, it has passed,” he said.
Idris concluded by reassuring the youth that the President is taking all necessary measures to address their concerns. “The President has also put in place steps to ensure the economy is stable and that relief reaches those in need. So, there is no need for a strike. Mr. President has heard you and is acting,” he affirmed.
