Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, has made a heartfelt plea to Nigerians to halt the nationwide protests against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, Audu reassured protesters grappling with escalating economic difficulties that President Tinubu is diligently working to address the nation’s pressing issues.
He emphasized the administration’s accomplishments and expressed confidence that citizens will see their expectations for effective governance met before 2027.
Audu reiterated the government’s commitment to revitalizing the country’s steel industry, highlighting ambitious plans to generate 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in this crucial sector.
“I urge my fellow Nigerians to consider suspending the nationwide protests against the current administration and engage in constructive dialogue to voice our concerns and expectations with President Tinubu’s leadership,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the president has repeatedly demonstrated his concern for the hardships faced by Nigerians, citing recent initiatives such as the implementation of a minimum wage of N70,000 for workers and the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to help mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, which is expected to lower transportation costs by approximately 70%.
“In response to the challenges arising from ongoing reforms, President Tinubu has initiated the distribution of N50,000 uplift grants to over 100,000 families in each state for three months, positively impacting nearly 5 million families nationwide,” Audu added.
He also mentioned that Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, has promised that food prices will decrease within 180 days, thanks to strategic measures being implemented. This includes the importation of 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and maize, which will be supplied to local processors and millers.
Furthermore, in an effort to enhance healthcare, the president has directed a redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which has attracted $2.5 million in funding for the National Primary Health Care, ensuring better access to healthcare for citizens.
Audu concluded by stating that he and his cabinet colleagues, under the visionary guidance of President Tinubu, are tirelessly working to implement various policies aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to create a better Nigeria for all. Many of these initiatives are already showing positive results.
This appeal comes as hunger protests enter their second day, with reports from the Nigeria Police Force indicating that several individuals have lost their lives as protests turned violent in some regions.
