An initiative by the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) is calling for the federal and state authorities to establish a task force to address and regulate the prices of food items nationwide. This measure is crucial to alleviate the current hardships faced by the majority of Nigerians.
In response to the impending nationwide protests by Nigerian youth regarding the prevailing difficulties, MMWG has cautioned against participating in or organizing any protest. The group emphasized the potential risks associated with protests, highlighting past instances of violence, property damage, and looting which have intensified the challenges faced by the Nigerian populace.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Abdullahi Ibrahim, MMWG urged proponents of the protests to reconsider their approach and opt for dialogue as a means to resolve existing issues peacefully. The group acknowledged organizations and individuals who have withdrawn their support for the protests, encouraging all citizens to collaborate with the government to find constructive solutions to the economic challenges.
Regarding the new minimum wage, MMWG lauded the expedited passage of the New Minimum Wage Bill and the 2024 Supplementary Budget by the Senate to facilitate the implementation of the revised wage structure. The group advocated for the holistic implementation of the minimum wage and urged for commensurate adjustments to workers’ salaries and pensions payments to retirees at both federal and state levels.
MMWG specifically appealed to state governors to swiftly implement the new minimum wage to positively impact the livelihoods of citizens across the nation.