President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a heartfelt address to the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, amid widespread protests that have rocked several states across Nigeria. With a tone of grave concern, the President acknowledged the unrest and violence that have resulted in tragic losses and widespread destruction.
In his broadcast, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the casualties reported in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states. He condemned the vandalism of public properties and the looting of businesses, emphasizing that such acts run counter to the organizers’ promises of peaceful demonstrations. He stressed that the destruction only hampers national progress, as resources must be diverted to repair the damages.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families affected by the violence and called for an immediate halt to the bloodshed. He asserted that, as President, it is his duty to maintain public order and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and properties. He urged both protesters and organizers to cease their actions and engage in dialogue, highlighting that Nigeria needs collective effort to shape its future positively.
The President also issued a stern warning to those using the unrest to propagate ethnic bigotry or incite violence, stating that the law will take its course against such divisive elements. He affirmed the commitment of his administration to uphold democracy and protect the constitutional rights of every Nigerian.
Reflecting on recent economic challenges, Tinubu defended his administration’s difficult decisions to remove fuel subsidies and reform foreign exchange systems. These measures, he argued, were necessary to address long-standing economic mismanagement and to halt the exploitation by smugglers and rent-seekers.
Under his leadership, Nigeria has seen a significant boost in government revenue, an increase in non-oil sector productivity, and progress in major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The President highlighted the resurgence of the oil and gas sector and outlined the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative to reduce transportation costs and curb inflation.
Tinubu also emphasized the administration’s focus on youth empowerment through various programs, including a student loan scheme, the Consumer Credit Corporation, and the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) initiative. Despite setbacks like the vandalism of a digital center in Kano, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering opportunities for young Nigerians.
The President announced additional support measures, including the distribution of CNG conversion kits, increased allocations to state governments, and the signing of the National Minimum Wage law, which will raise the minimum wage to N70,000 per month. He also introduced housing initiatives aimed at delivering 100,000 new units across the country, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating economic growth.
President Tinubu concluded his address by urging Nigerians to choose hope, unity, and progress over division and stagnation. He called for continued cooperation to build a prosperous future and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. The President’s message underscores a call for national solidarity and dialogue as Nigeria faces critical challenges.
