The Federal Government has called for an urgent meeting on Wednesday to address a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.
This is detailed in a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah, dated July 23, 2024, titled ‘Planned Nationwide Protest.’
The circular stated, “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.”
This meeting follows a plea from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, conveyed through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, urging Nigerians to cancel the planned protest.
Speaking to state house correspondents on Tuesday, Idris emphasized that Tinubu’s administration required additional time to implement people-focused initiatives.
“On the issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris stated.
Despite the approval of a N70,000 minimum wage and its passage by the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, Nigerians remain firm on their protest plans.
The demonstration is driven by the severe economic hardship in the country, with core inflation and food inflation rates rising to 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively.
This economic strain has significantly diminished the purchasing power of Nigerians.
The upcoming protest takes inspiration from a month-long protest in Kenya, where citizens demanded the reversal of the Finance Act and other unfavorable government policies.
