In the lead-up to the planned 10-day hunger protest, the Federal Government has taken several proactive measures to address concerns and deter the demonstration.
The protest, organized by the Take It Back movement and dubbed “Days of Rage,” is scheduled to run from August 1 to 10. It aims to protest against hunger and poor governance.
However, there have been numerous calls from government officials, groups, and religious bodies expressing concerns that the protest could be hijacked by malicious elements.
Key Actions Taken by the Federal Government:
Public Awareness and Security Measures:
- The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the protest to submit their details to local Commissioners of Police to ensure the protest remains peaceful and orderly.
Economic Measures:
- Rice Subsidy: President Tinubu has created centers across the country where Nigerians can buy a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000, aimed at easing living conditions.
- Crude Oil Sales: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been directed to sell crude oil to the Dangote refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira. This move is expected to lower the prices of domestically refined petroleum products and boost the naira.
Policy Changes:
- Import Duties: Tinubu has suspended import duties on food and essential commodities to alleviate inflationary pressures.
- Minimum Wage: The President signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law, raising the minimum wage to N70,000, as agreed with labor unions.
Regional Initiatives:
- Youth Internship Scheme: The government unveiled a Youth Internship Scheme by the NDDC for 10,000 youths from the Niger Delta region, with a monthly stipend of N50,000.
- Traditional and Religious Leaders: President Tinubu held emergency meetings with traditional rulers and Ulamas to seek their support in averting the protest.
Telecommunications:
- The Nigerian Communications Commission directed telecom operators to restore all blocked phone lines affected by the non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards, aiming to improve consumer convenience.
Additional Developments:
- Former Niger Delta freedom fighter Mujahid Asari-Dokubo has warned against bringing the protest to the Niger Delta, arguing that it does not address the region’s specific issues and labeling the organizers as anarchists.
- The protest has received endorsements from presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, gaining traction on social media.
The Federal Government’s multifaceted approach reflects its efforts to address the concerns raised by the protest organizers and prevent potential disruptions.
