The Federal Government has declared that there is no longer a need for the nationwide hunger protests scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024. This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday. The meeting was presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
Idris emphasized that the government is currently addressing the concerns raised by aggrieved Nigerians and is actively working to ensure food availability. “Many of the issues that those planning the protest are putting forward are being addressed. The government is making efforts to make sure that food is made available,” he stated. This highlights the government’s commitment to tackling the issues of food scarcity and rising food prices, which have been a major concern for many Nigerians.
To alleviate the immediate concerns about food scarcity, the minister said this government has distributed rice to various centers across the country, selling it at N40,000 per bag. “Rice has been taken to various centres across the country, and it is being sold for N40,000. This is just the beginning and necessary first step. Other efforts are underway,” Idris explained. This distribution is part of a broader strategy to stabilize food prices and ensure that essential food items are accessible to all Nigerians.
Idris added that government is also making significant investments in the agricultural sector. These investments are expected to yield long-term benefits by increasing food production and reducing dependency on imported food items. “There is so much investment that is going into the agricultural sector and we believe that as we move forward, the price of food will come down,” Idris stated. This approach aims to create a sustainable food supply chain and reduce the impact of global food price fluctuations on the Nigerian market.
In addition to addressing food security, the government is also focusing on other critical areas affecting the lives of Nigerians, particularly the youth. The president is keen on ensuring that the government’s actions resonate with the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. “The student loan is making sure that no youth that wants to go to school will be left out. By the time the CNG takes full course, the transportation issues will be resolved,” Idris added. The introduction of the student loan program aims to make higher education more accessible, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent young Nigerians from pursuing their academic goals.
The government is also working on implementing the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, which is expected to provide a more affordable and environmentally friendly transportation option. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to address the high cost of transportation, which has been a significant burden on many Nigerians. By promoting the use of CNG, the government hopes to reduce transportation costs and make commuting more affordable for the average Nigerian.
In light of these efforts, the government believes that the planned hunger protests are unnecessary. The measures being implemented are designed to address the root causes of the grievances that led to the call for protests. The government is urging Nigerians to be patient and give these initiatives time to take effect, as they are confident that the results will be positive and will significantly improve the living conditions of the populace.
Moreover, the government’s approach to resolving these issues is holistic, taking into account the interconnectedness of various sectors of the economy. By investing in agriculture, education, and transportation, the government is working to create a more robust and resilient economy that can withstand external shocks and provide a better quality of life for its citizens.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu is also committed to transparency and accountability in its efforts to address these challenges. Regular updates and communication with the public are part of this commitment, ensuring that Nigerians are informed about the steps being taken and the progress being made. This approach aims to build trust between the government and the citizens, fostering a cooperative spirit in addressing the nation’s challenges.
