SGF urges citizens to shun protest, highlights Tinubu’s achievements

The Nigerian government has appealed to citizens to refrain from participating in a planned nationwide protest, emphasizing the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

During a World Press Conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, outlined key milestones of the administration while acknowledging the economic challenges facing the country.

Akume admitted that Nigerians are grappling with the effects of several bold policy decisions, but stressed that these actions are aimed at securing long-term economic prosperity.

He underscored the importance of economic growth in lifting families out of poverty and building resilient societies.

Calling for peace and stability, Akume described these as essential for fostering trust, cooperation, and collective progress. “When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed,” he said.

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Akume also addressed the state of the economy inherited by the Tinubu administration in May 2023, highlighting the urgent need for bold reforms, such as the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy.

While these measures have resulted in significant economic adjustments, Akume pointed to efforts by the administration to mitigate their impact.

He noted the disbursement of five billion Naira to each state to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the approval of a Wage Award of Thirty-five Thousand Naira for six months, which exceeds the previous minimum wage.

 Additionally, the administration has enacted a new National Minimum Wage Act, raising the minimum wage to N70,000—a more than 100% increase from the previous wage of N30,000—effective retroactively from April.