Tinubu's 3-Point Case Against Nationwide Protests

Tinubu cites achievements, urges Nigerians to forgo protests...

President Bola Tinubu cites student loan program, N70,000 minimum wage, and consumer credit initiative as achievements, urging Nigerians to reconsider planned protests and avoid chaos, as his administration revamps social welfare programs to support vulnerable citizens.

President Bola Tinubu has cited three significant achievements as reasons for Nigerians to reconsider participating in the planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024. These achievements include the introduction of a student loan program, the implementation of a new minimum wage of N70,000, and the launch of a consumer credit initiative.

During a meeting with Islamic leaders, led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House on Thursday, July 25, President Tinubu shared these accomplishments and urged protest organizers not to plunge Nigeria into chaos, referencing the turmoil in Sudan. He emphasized his administration's commitment to revitalizing social welfare programs to provide enhanced support for vulnerable Nigerians at the grassroots level.

“We are reworking the social welfare scheme to reach the ward level, which is the closest to our people. We are going to ensure that we re-establish connection with the wards, again, so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable.

“The student loans will pay for school fees. There will be monetary support for the education of our children. The consumer credit will support citizens to buy cars and houses, and they can repay gradually.

“We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,” he said.

The National Assembly gave its approval to the new Minimum Wage Act on Wednesday, July 26, formalizing the previously agreed-upon N70,000 minimum wage between President Tinubu and Nigerian workers, marking a significant milestone in the country's labor landscape.