In a bid to address the rising cost of living and stave off a planned national protest, the Federal Government announced on Monday the distribution of an additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state. The rice is to be sold at designated centers for N40,000 per bag, significantly below market price.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) emphasized that many of the demands of the protest organizers are already being addressed. President Bola Tinubu has expressed that his administration is actively working to alleviate the grievances of the youth. …CONTINUE READING
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated during a briefing that this measure is part of the government’s broader strategy to combat poverty.
“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government. This is a listening government,” he said.
Idris highlighted ongoing efforts, including the provision of subsidized rice, with centers established across states for easier access. “In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states,” he noted, while acknowledging that these steps are initial measures.
Further measures include substantial investments in agriculture, with expectations that the prices of food items will decrease as the rainy season progresses and irrigation activities ramp up.
President Tinubu, speaking on behalf of the youth, reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling the nation’s economic challenges. “Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do,” Idris added.
The government has also started disbursing student loans, with over 110,000 applications received, and aims to ensure no student is left out due to financial constraints. Additionally, the employment of three million youths through various programs is underway, alongside initiatives to reduce transportation costs via the CNG initiative.
The government urged potential protesters to reconsider, citing concerns that protests could be hijacked and turn violent. “While you are thinking of protesting, government is appealing to you to first shelve it because it has the great likelihood that this protest may be hijacked and may turn violent by unscrupulous elements,” Idris warned.
The news have generated some reactions, see the screenshots of some of the reactions below:
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