Nigerian Government Holds Emergency Meeting with Ministers Ahead of August 1 Protest

The Nigerian government has scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday in response to a planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.

According to a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah, dated July 23, 2024, titled “Planned Nationwide Protest,” the meeting will take place on July 24, 2024, at 10 am in the Conference Room of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The meeting follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appeal, delivered through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, urging Nigerians to cancel the planned protest. In an interview with state house correspondents on Tuesday, Idris emphasized that the Tinubu administration needs more time to implement people-oriented programs.

“Regarding the planned protest, the President believes it is unnecessary. He has requested that the protest be canceled and has assured that the government will address their concerns,” Idris said.

The planned protest arises amid worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, with core inflation and food inflation reaching 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively. This has led to rising commodity prices and diminished purchasing power for Nigerians.

Despite the recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage by the Nigerian Senate, Nigerians remain resolute in their decision to protest, inspired by a month-long protest in Kenya against the Finance Act and other policies.