During a press conference in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, addressed the issue by emphasizing that protests should not be seen as the solution to the country's challenges. He stressed that the government is actively working to address these challenges. Senator Akume underscored the importance of peace and stability in achieving the shared objectives of building trust and fostering cooperation. This, he stated, is vital for the progress of the nation.
Akume said: “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 farm lands 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 twenty Ministries as contained in the annex to this briefing.”
In his address, Senator Akume presented various accomplishments and examples of progress across different ministries. He highlighted significant achievements in the following areas:
I. Labour Sector and the Masses
a. Following the removal of the subsidy, the President, in collaboration with the Governors, allocated five billion Naira to each state to mitigate the impact, prioritizing assistance for the poor, vulnerable, and the elderly.
b. A Wage Award of Thirty-five Thousand Naira for six months was approved by the President to alleviate the effects on workers, exceeding the minimum wage.
c. The President recently signed a new National Minimum Wage Act, setting the minimum wage at ₦70,000, marking a significant increase from the previous ₦30,000 and retroactively effective from April.
d. Each state is presently receiving twenty trailer loads of assorted grains approved by the President for distribution, aiming to alleviate the high cost of foodstuffs.
e. Tariffs on imported food items have been eliminated to reduce food prices.
g. Farmers have access to subsidized farm inputs, including fertilizers, to enhance food production and reduce costs. Additionally, the President approved the allocation of sixty-four trailer loads of fertilizers to each state to boost agricultural production.
h. The Agricultural Land Development Agency has been reorganized to facilitate land preparation for farmers. Furthermore, the establishment of the Ministry for Livestock Development is intended to address challenges in the sector and enhance access to affordable protein for Nigerians while boosting exports.
II. Infrastructure Development & Industries
The ongoing development of roads and critical infrastructure across the nation is aimed at repositioning the economy and improving transportation by road and rail.
Support is being provided to the Bank of Industry to foster the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the industrial sector.
The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan has been unveiled as a driver of economic growth.
Railway infrastructure is also being expanded nationwide to facilitate affordable transportation for citizens.
III. SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS
Currently, over 15 million indigent, poor, and highly vulnerable families benefit from the Family Support Cash Grants provided by the Federal Government.
IV. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY
The government sought a Supreme Court decision to determine the funding of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, achieving a favorable judgment that sets LGAs on the path to financial and development autonomy.
V. Ministry of Livestock Development
The establishment of a stand-alone Ministry for the Youth, considering their significant percentage of the population, marks a first for the nation.
VI. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The ₦35 Billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has seen over 40 thousand beneficiaries approved, exceeding the expected 70 thousand beneficiaries.
Akume urged Nigerians to acknowledge that the country is a work in progress and assured relief from economic hardships. He called for all citizens, irrespective of background, to reject calls for protests against hunger and prioritize peace and progress.
“It is in the light of these aforementioned situation and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is work in progress and in due course, we shall breath a sigh of relief. The on-going economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuation, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watch words. Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or association that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well .
“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” the SGF pleaded.