Information Minister Says ‘No Need’ For Planned Protests, Highlights Government’s Relief Measures

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday declared the planned nationwide protest was not necessary, Information Minister Mohammed Idris revealed.

After an FEC meeting, the minister spoke with the media, saying that the government believed the protest was not needed because most of the issues being raised were already being dealt with.

Idris listed actions taken by the Tinubu administration to lessen the negative effects of government policies on Nigerians, such as distributing food, providing student loans and selling food at lower prices.

Young Nigerians had planned a 10-day nationwide protest starting on Aug. 1 to 10 to demand changes to government policies that have caused the worst cost of living crisis for the entire country.

"It is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again because most of those things that the protesters are putting forward are already actually being addressed or are being addressed by government," the minister said, Premium Times reported.

"The president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want the government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making, in ensuring that food is being made available."

The minister recalled that during the last council meeting, the government announced that 20 trucks had been allotted to the state governors for onward distribution to those who were actually in need.

Furthermore, rice was currently being sold at about half its usual cost. A bag of rice is available for 40,000 naira and is being sold at various centers across all states. These centers have been set up so people who need the rice can buy it at this reduced price.

These actions are part of the government's measures and both the president and the Federal Executive Council believe that some of the concerns of the protesters are already being addressed. For instance, the federal government started distributing student loans, which will benefit over 2 million students.

As of last week, only about 110,000 applications have been received for student loans but more are expected. There is enough provision for all eligible students who meet the requirements.

The social security system is also being set up to make sure no one is left behind. While it takes time to fully implement, the government believes these measures ensure there is no need for the protest.