Niger Youths Won’t Participate in Planned Nationwide Protest,Says Bago

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has assured Nigerians that the youth of Niger State will not participate in the planned nationwide strike from August 1 to 10, 2024.

A widely publicized youth protest is being organized to highlight the current hunger and economic hardship in the country.

Bago made this announcement on Thursday during a town hall meeting in Minna, stating that the youths in the State are peaceful and will not join any national protest.

He urged those planning the protest to reconsider, saying, “We, as youths of Niger State, have distanced ourselves from the nationwide protest because we seek peace and tranquillity. You can start demonstrations, but you cannot end demonstrations. To the youths agitating for this protest, let us end these agitations and communicate and dialogue on the best way forward.”

The governor also announced the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of grains to be sold at 50% of the current price, and called on security agencies to ensure the directive is followed.

“We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves, and we will release 50,000 metric tonnes at half price. By the end of the year, we aim to slash food prices by 90%,” he assured.

Bago expressed support for local government autonomy and urged local government Chairmen to manage their responsibilities better, noting that many have been unable to pay salaries for a year. He also emphasized that the state government does not rely on the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for financing its projects.

“I do not need FAAC in Niger State. The roads and projects I am undertaking are not funded by FAAC. We are producing, and that is the secret behind our progress. Investors have committed to Niger State for the next five years. The food subsidy was originally for export, but due to the people’s hardship, we have opened our warehouses to feed Nigerlites.”

The Emir of Bida and Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers of Niger State, Abubakar Yahaya, also urged the youths not to participate in the planned nationwide protest, stating that it is not the solution.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, echoed this sentiment, urging the youths not to join the protest and highlighting that the state will organize programs for youth engagement.