President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, amidst ongoing protests and violence in various states, calling for dialogue and unity.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states,” President Tinubu said, expressing concern over the loss of lives and destruction of properties.
The President commiserated with families of those who lost their lives in the protests, saying, “I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states… We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction.”
He emphasized the need for public order, urging protesters and organizers to suspend further protests and engage in dialogue.
“Our democracy progresses when the constitutional rights of every Nigerian are respected and protected,” he said.
The President highlighted his administration’s achievements in rebuilding the economy, including:
- Increased government revenues, with aggregate revenues surpassing 9.1 trillion Naira in the first half of 2024
- Reduced debt servicing, from 97% to 68% in the last 13 months
- Infrastructure development, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway projects
- Reforms in the oil and gas industry, leading to increased production and foreign investment
President Tinubu also announced initiatives to empower youth, including:
- The student loan scheme, with 45.6 billion Naira already processed for payment
- The Consumer Credit Corporation, providing low-cost loans for essential products
- The Digital and Creative Enterprises program, securing $620 million to empower young people in IT and technical jobs
The President said he signed the National Minimum Wage into law, increasing the lowest-earning workers’ salary to N70,000 per month.
He also said he launched the Renewed Hope City and Estate, an ambitious housing initiative aimed at providing affordable housing and stimulating economic growth.
To address food insecurity, President Tinubu stated that he announced the removal of tariffs and import duties on essential food items, including rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, and pharmaceutical supplies.
The President called for unity and collective effort to build a brighter future for Nigeria, saying “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.”
President Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the importance of security and human rights, urging security operatives to maintain peace and order while respecting human rights conventions.
