The Nigerian government has scheduled an emergency meeting for today Wednesday in response to a planned nationwide protest set for August 1, 2024. This information comes from a circular signed by Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, dated July 23, 2024, and titled "Planned Nationwide Protest."
The circular states: “I am directed to invite you to attend a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the above subject slated as follows: July 24, 2024, Time: 10 am prompt, Venue: Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.”
This meeting follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's plea through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, for Nigerians to cancel the planned protest. Speaking to state house correspondents on Tuesday, the Minister emphasized that the Tinubu administration needed more time to implement people-oriented programs.
“On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris stated.
The protest is set against the backdrop of increasing economic hardship in Nigeria, with core inflation and food inflation rising to 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively. This inflation surge has severely impacted commodity prices and reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians.
Despite the recent approval and passage of a ₦70,000 minimum wage by the Nigerian Senate, Nigerians have remained adamant about proceeding with the protest. The protest is inspired by the month-long demonstrations in Kenya, where citizens demanded the reversal of the Finance Act and other controversial policies by the Kenyan government.
