The Nigerian government has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in response to a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. The meeting was announced in a circular signed by Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office.
The circular, dated July 23, 2024, invites attendees to a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
This move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appeal, conveyed by Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, for Nigerians to reconsider the protest. Idris stated that the administration requires additional time to implement its people-focused initiatives. He emphasized that the President does not see a need for the protest and urged citizens to await the government's response to their concerns.
The protest has been planned against the backdrop of increasing economic difficulties in Nigeria, with core inflation rising to 34.19% and food inflation reaching 40.87%. These figures have contributed to higher commodity prices and reduced purchasing power for Nigerians.
Despite recent legislative action, including the approval and passage of a N70,000 minimum wage by the Nigerian Senate, the planned protest persists. The demonstration draws inspiration from a similar protest in Kenya, where citizens demanded the reversal of the Finance Act and other government policies.
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