Calling on Nigerians to halt the nationwide protest known as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which focuses on the issues of hunger and poverty, Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu sought dialogue as a solution to the current challenges faced in the country.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Lizzy Okoji, in Abuja on Saturday, Shuaibu made this plea.
The protest, running from August 1 to August 10, was organized in response to the prevailing adversities within the nation.
Encouraging the embrace of dialogue to address concerns, the minister also expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is diligently working to tackle these challenges.
The minister highlighted that the current administration’s policies and strategic plans aim to steer Nigeria towards economic prosperity, enhanced welfare, quality education, and fortified health systems.
He further emphasized that other policy measures are directed at enhancing social amenities, ensuring food security, and advancing infrastructure, among other goals.
Assuring Nigerians that the pursuit of good governance will be fulfilled within the current administration’s initial term, Audu stated, “President Tinubu has consistently shown concern for the well-being of Nigerians, evidenced by the recent implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for workers.
“The introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative utilizing CNG vehicles is being pursued to offset the impact of fuel subsidy removal, thereby reducing transportation costs by about 70%.”
“In response to the challenges faced by the populace amidst ongoing reforms, President Tinubu has authorized the distribution of N50,000 uplift grants to over 100,000 families per state for three months,” he added.
“This initiative is set to benefit close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. Additionally, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, on the President’s directive, has assured Nigerians that food prices will decrease within 180 days.”
Discussing import plans of 250,000 metric tonnes each of wheat and maize to support small-scale processors and millers nationwide, Audu emphasized the government’s dedication to revitalizing the steel sector to generate over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract Foreign Direct Investments to bolster and diversify the economy.
Appealing for an end to the protest due to its infiltration by troublemakers leading to disorder nationwide, the minister lauded the people of Kogi for refraining from the protest and opting for dialogue and cooperation with the state’s All Progressive Congress-led government.
NAN