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Ahead of the nationwide protest slated for Thursday, August 1, the Federal government has pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the action.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the plea at a world press conference held in Abuja and attended by key Federal Government functionaries.
Akume, who said the protest was not the best solution to the ongoing hardship, added, “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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.
“This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken. This, it must be admitted, has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel.
"This has compelled massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farmlands in safe and secure environment.
“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.
"That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians. Within a space of 14 months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.
“Let me avail you a few concrete cross cutting examples of achievements. This is in addition to those specific accomplishments from 20 ministries as contained in the annex to this briefing."
Akume noted that the President, working with the governors released the sum of N5bn to each state to cushion the impact in an inclusive manner that prioritised the poor, vulnerable and the elderly.
He noted: "Mr. President approved a Wage Award of Thirty-five Thousand Naira for a period of six months to cushion the effect on workers. This award was higher than the minimum wage.
"Mr. President has just signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed N70,000:00. This represents more than 100% increase from the last minimum wage (N30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April
"States, through their Governors, are receiving 20 trailer loads of assorted grains per state, approved by the President for distribution to citizens. This is intended to cushion the high cost of foodstuffs.
"Government has removed tariffs on imported food items to bring down the prices of foodstuffs
"Recently the President established the Ministry for Livestock Development in order to address the challenges in the sector and facilitate access to affordable protein by Nigerians and boost export.
"Curently, over 15 million indigent, poor and highly vunerable families are beneficiaries of the family support cash grants by the FG."
