The Nigerian government has called for an urgent meeting with ministers to discuss the nationwide protest planned for August 1, 2024. This meeting, set for July 24, 2024, at 10 am, will take place at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has asked Nigerians to reconsider the protest. He has urged citizens to give his administration more time to address their concerns and implement people-friendly programs. “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,” said Minister Idris.

Despite this plea, Nigerians are determined to proceed with the protest due to increasing economic hardship. Core inflation has reached 34.19%, and food inflation has soared to 40.87%, severely impacting the cost of living and purchasing power.

Even though the Nigerian Senate recently approved a new minimum wage of N70,000, the decision has not alleviated public dissatisfaction. The protest has been inspired by similar actions in Kenya, where citizens demanded the reversal of the Finance Act and other unfavorable policies.

The government is now racing against time to address these grievances and find a resolution before the protest date.