The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to reconsider the nationwide protest slated for Wednesday, August 1. Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this appeal during a world press conference in Abuja, attended by key Federal government officials. Akume emphasized that protests are not the solution to the country’s challenges, which the administration is diligently working to resolve.
Akume stated, “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration because it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies. To achieve this goal, we must enjoy peace and stability because it is the cornerstone upon which we build trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed.”
He continued, “This administration, at its inception in May 2023, inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold, and imaginative reforms. Policy measures, including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime, had to be taken. This has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.”
Akume also highlighted the inherited security challenges, which have required substantial investment to upgrade security architecture, infrastructure, systems, and personnel capabilities. The objective is to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by ensuring safe environments for communities to return to their homes and farmlands.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. Within 14 months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments laying the foundation for immediate, medium, and long-term prosperity for Nigerians in an inclusive manner,” Akume asserted.
He provided several examples of the administration’s achievements, including:
Labour Sector and Support for the Masses:
- Released ₦5 billion to each state to cushion the impact of subsidy removal.
- Approved a wage award of ₦35,000 for six months to cushion the effect on workers.
- Signed a new National Minimum Wage Act prescribing ₦70,000, retroactive from April.
- Distributed twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state to cushion high food costs.
- Removed tariffs on imported food items and subsidized farm inputs to boost food production.
- Released sixty-four trailer loads of fertilizers to each state.
- Repositioned the Agricultural Land Development Agency.
- Established the Ministry for Livestock Development.
Infrastructure Development & Industries:
- Developing roads and other critical infrastructure.
- Supporting the Bank of Industry to fund MSMEs.
- Unveiled the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan.
- Developing railways infrastructure.
Social Safety Net Programs:
- Over 15 million families benefiting from family support cash grants.
Local Government Autonomy:
- Supreme Court decision on LGA funding set them on the path to financial and development autonomy.
Youth Development:
- Created a standalone Ministry for the Youth.
- Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved over 40,000 beneficiaries.
Akume concluded by appealing to Nigerians to shun protests and prioritize peace and progress. He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but cautioned against the dangers of protests being hijacked by criminals. He urged dialogue and collaboration to address the nation’s challenges, assuring that with collective effort, Nigeria will achieve peace, stability, and economic growth.
