The Federal Government on Wednesday insisted that constructive engagement will be a better recourse than the planned national protest, saying that such actions in the past only led to negative outcomes.
The Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made the declaration in Abuja at a press conference to highlight the effort of the Bola Tinubu administration to ameliorate the economic hardship in the country.
He recalled that despite the sustained “Ali Must Go” protest under the military administration to force the exit of then Federal Commissioner of Education, Col. Ahmadu Ali, he did not quit his job.
Akume also cited the more recent #EndSARS, alleging that it yielded only negativity.
Reading from a prepared text, the SGF noted that the country is contending with a combination of challenges and opportunities. According to him, there are challenges because Nigerians are passing through unintended economic developments occasioned by “a few of the bold policy decisions taken by this administration.”
He pointed out that, on the flip side, there are opportunities because the economy “is being refined and recalibrated for better future and when dialogue is a stronger pedestal for good governance.”
He assured that economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration to drive progress, lift families from poverty, and build strong, resilient societies. He added: “To achieve this goal, we must enjoy peace and stability because it is the cornerstone upon which we build trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed.
“This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken. This, it must be admitted has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel.
“This has compelled massive infusion of scarce resources from ouralready dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farm lands in safe and secure environment.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians.
“Within a space of fourteen months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.”
The SGF cited some achievements including the release of the sum of N5 billion to each state to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal in an inclusive manner that prioritised the poor, vulnerable and the elderly.
He added: “Mr. President has just signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed N70,000:00. This represents more than 100% increase from the last minimum wage (30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April.
“Currently, as we speak, states, through their governors, are receiving 20 trailer loads of assorted grains per state, approved by the President for distribution to citizens. This is intended to cushion the high cost of foodstuff.
“Government has removed tariffs on imported food items to bring down the prices of food stuff.
“Farm inputs including fertilisers, are also being made available to farmers at highly subsidised rates to boost food production and reduce cost. Mr President has also approved the release of sixty four trailer loads of fertizers to each state to boost agricultural production.
“The Agricultural land development Agency has also been repositioned to facilitate land preparation for farmers.
“Recently the President established the Ministry for Livestock Development in order to address the challenges in the sector and facilitate access to affordable protein by Nigerians and boost export.”
On infrastructure, Akume pointed out that roads and other critical infrastructure are being developed across the nation as part of long term measures to reposition the economy and ease movement on the roads and by rail.
Continuing, he said: “The Bank of Industry is also being supported to fund the growth of MSMEs in the industrial sector
“Recently, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan was unveiled as a catalyst for economic boom.
“Railways infrastructure is also being developed across the nation to facilitate affordable transportation by the citizens.”
He also spoke on social safety net programmes, noting that over 15 million indigent, poor and highly vulnerable families are currently beneficiaries of the family support cash grants by the federal government.
The SGF also cited the autonomy that is now being enjoyed by local government.
He explained: “As part of the efforts of the federal government to take development to the grass roots, the government approached the Supreme Court for a decision on the funding of LGAs in Nigeria. The favourable judgement has now set the LGA on the path to their financial and development autonomy.”
Similarly, he noted that government has created the ministry of livestock development and for the first time, Nigeria now has a stand alone Ministry for the Youth that account for a large percentage of our population.
As for the N35 billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akume asserted that approved beneficiaries have exceeded the 40,000 mark out of the expected 70,000.
“It is in the light of these aforementioned situation and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is work in progress and in due course, we shall breath a sigh of relief.
“The on-going economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity,” he assured.
The SGF appealed the Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising paece and progress.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watch words. “Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us.
“Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or association that are capable of disturbing the peace of th country. Remain vigilant as well,” he said.
He further reassured that “together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny.”
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