On Monday, July 29, the federal government announced the establishment of centers nationwide where 50kg bags of rice are available for N40,000 each.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this statement during a briefing on the outcomes of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Idris explained that this initiative is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to address the high cost of living and make the planned nationwide protest unnecessary.
He noted that President Tinubu is effectively advocating for the people through various interventions, addressing the concerns that led to the protest plans.
The minister emphasized that the FEC believes most of the protesters’ demands are already being addressed by the government, and therefore, the protest is no longer needed.
Idris added, “The FEC’s stance is that the majority of the issues raised by the protesters are being actively addressed by the federal government. This administration is attentive to the concerns of its citizens, and the President has listened to the voices of those planning the protest. Consequently, there is no longer a need for the protest.”
“Most of the issues raised by the protesters are already being addressed or are in the process of being addressed by the government. As we’ve repeatedly stated, this administration is responsive to public concerns.
“The President has taken into account the voices of those planning the protest, and his message is that the protest is no longer necessary.
“In fact, the President is already taking action on their behalf by implementing the very measures they seek from the government.
“For example, the government is working to make food more accessible. At the last Council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks had been allocated to state governors for distribution to those most in need, particularly the poorest in society.
“But the government hasn’t stopped there. We are also selling rice at about half its cost. Currently, 50kg bags of rice are available at various centers across all states for N40,000.
“Initially, 10 trucks have been deployed to each state, and this is just the beginning.
“I understand some might feel this is insufficient. The government acknowledges that these supplies may not be enough, but they represent crucial first steps, with more interventions planned in the interim.
“Additionally, these measures are temporary as substantial investments are being made in the agricultural sector.
“The rainy season has arrived, and we anticipate a decrease in food prices as investments are made not only in traditional agriculture but also in irrigation projects across various states.
“We expect that as we progress, the costs of food and other commodities will indeed fall.
“These measures are part of the government’s efforts, and both the President and the Federal Executive Council believe that some of the concerns prompting the protests are already being addressed.
“For instance, the federal government has recently started distributing student loans, with provisions for over 2 million students. As of last week, around 110,000 applications had been received, with more expected.
“There is ample provision for all qualified students who meet the conditions for these loans.
“The President’s goal is to ensure that no student, or young person admitted to any of our tertiary institutions, is excluded due to financial constraints from their parents or guardians.
“Additionally, efforts are underway to create employment opportunities for around 3 million young people through the MTT program.
“Furthermore, a reduction in general costs is anticipated once the CNG initiative by the federal government is fully implemented.”
Some of these buses have already been imported, and conversion kits are now available. Conversion centers are starting to become operational.
The delays are due to the fact that these items aren’t readily available off the shelf.
First, procurement processes must be followed, and orders must be placed. As we shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, it’s anticipated that transportation costs will decrease by over 60%.
If you own a car, you’ll likely spend about 60% less on transportation, and that savings will return to your pocket. Initially, the focus will be on commercial buses for mass transit, aiming to reduce fares for workers and commuters.
In light of these efforts and the broader government initiatives, the government urges those planning protests to reconsider. While peaceful protests are a democratic right, the government is committed to ensuring that such rights do not infringe upon others’.
The government asks you to delay your protest, as there is a risk it might be hijacked and turn violent, which would not benefit NigeriaWe understand that people are claiming there is no intention for violence, but history has shown us that there is a risk this protest could be hijacked and potentially turn violent.
