Minister’s Appeal to End Protests
Minister Shuaibu Audu has urged Nigerians to suspend nationwide hunger protests aimed at combating hunger and poverty. His Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Lizzy Okoji, released a statement in Abuja making the call.
Duration and Nature of the Protests
Organizers initiated a protest spanning from August 1 to August 10 as a response to the pressing socio-economic challenges the country faces. Their aim was to draw attention to these issues and seek proactive measures for resolution.
In response, the minister advocated for dialogue, encouraging the public to trust in the government’s efforts to address these challenges. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between citizens and state authorities to foster effective solutions.
Government’s Efforts and Promises
Shuaibu Audu emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is actively working to resolve these issues through various policies. These strategies aim at economic prosperity, improved welfare, and quality education. Enhanced health systems are also a focal point of their efforts.
Specific Government Initiatives
The minister highlighted initiatives like the recent N70,000 minimum wage implementation and introducing Compressed Natural Gas vehicles. These measures aim to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal. These measures are expected to reduce transportation costs significantly.
Direct Assistance to Families
President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants to over 100,000 families per state for three months, addressing economic challenges. This initiative aims to impact nearly 5 million families nationwide, addressing the high food prices and ensuring food security.
Appeal for Peace and Dialogue
Minister Audu called for the cessation of the protests, noting that miscreants hijacking them had caused unrest and disorder. He praised Kogi’s people for collaborating through dialogue with the government, urging other states to adopt similar measures.
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