On Monday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the distribution of an additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state, aimed at addressing poverty and the high cost of living. The rice will be sold at designated centers across the country for N40,000 per bag.
This measure is part of a broader effort to mitigate economic hardships and counteract calls for nationwide protests scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Idris emphasized that the government believes many of the protestors’ demands are already being addressed.
He argued that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is proactively dealing with the grievances raised, including those related to food security and economic challenges.
Idris highlighted that the President has taken significant steps to address the issues affecting Nigerians. He noted that the government has already provided 20 trucks of rice to state governors for distribution to the needy and has now expanded this effort with an additional 10 trucks per state.
The intention behind this move is to make essential food items more affordable and alleviate some of the financial pressures on citizens.
Additionally, Idris pointed out other government initiatives such as student loans and employment programs. He noted that the government has begun disbursing loans to over two million students, with about 110,000 applications received so far.
Furthermore, the government plans to employ approximately three million youths through various programs, including the MTT program. Efforts are also being made to transition to compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation, which is expected to reduce transportation costs by over 60%.
Idris reiterated the government’s appeal to protesters to reconsider their plans, suggesting that the protests might be hijacked and lead to violence.
He emphasized that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, the government is committed to addressing the concerns of Nigerians and ensuring that any demonstrations do not disrupt public order or lead to violence.
In summary, the Federal Government’s response to the planned protests includes significant interventions to provide relief to citizens facing economic hardship, while also appealing for reconsideration of the protests to avoid potential violence and disruption.