President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken to the airwaves to address the recent wave of violent protests that have swept across Nigeria.
Speaking with a tone of solemn responsibility, President Tinubu acknowledged the legitimate grievances and aspirations of the youth but decried the violence that has marred the demonstrations, particularly in states like Borno, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna.
The president expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives and the destruction of public and private properties, emphasizing that such actions divert precious resources needed for the country’s development.
He extended his condolences to the families of those who have perished and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to pave the way for dialogue.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining public order and safeguarding the lives and property of every Nigerian. He warned those exploiting the situation for political gain or stoking ethnic tensions that the law would swiftly catch up with them
His vision, he stated, is for a just and prosperous Nigeria where democratic principles are upheld, and every citizen’s rights are respected.
The president outlined the economic challenges that have plagued Nigeria for decades, attributing them to systemic mismanagement and temporary fixes. He defended his administration’s controversial decisions to remove fuel subsidies and abolish multiple foreign exchange systems, describing them as necessary steps to break the cycle of economic stagnation.
These measures, he asserted, have already begun to yield positive results, including a significant increase in government revenue and a reduction in the percentage of revenue spent on debt servicing.
Highlighting the strides made in the past 14 months, President Tinubu pointed to increased productivity in the non-oil sector and the clearing of over $5 billion in foreign exchange obligations. These achievements, he noted, have provided the financial leeway to invest more in essential social services like education and healthcare.
The president also announced major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost economic output. He touted the resurgence of the oil and gas industry, with increased production and significant foreign investments.
In a bid to wean the country off its dependency on oil-based petrol, President Tinubu unveiled the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative. This program aims to reduce transportation costs by 60% and curb inflation by converting commercial vehicles to CNG, thereby saving over two trillion Naira monthly.
Addressing the youth directly, President Tinubu highlighted the introduction of the student loan scheme, the establishment of the Consumer Credit Corporation, and various initiatives under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) program. He lamented the vandalism of a digital center in Kano during the protests, calling it a setback in the nation’s journey towards technological empowerment.
The president announced additional financial support for micro and small businesses, as well as thesigning of the National Minimum Wage law, which raises the lowest worker’s salary to at least N70,000 per month. He also detailed the ambitious housing initiative, Renewed Hope City and Estate, aimed at providing affordable housing and stimulating economic growth.
On the agricultural front, President Tinubu revealed plans to remove tariffs on essential food and medical supplies for six months to drive down prices. He shared his vision for cultivating over 10 million hectares of land to boost food production, with the federal government providing incentives and states supplying the land.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to choose hope over fear and unity over division. He reassured the nation that his administration is working tirelessly to deliver visible and concrete results, and called on all citizens to contribute to building a brighter future. The President concluded by thanking the nation for their attention and invoking God’s blessings on Nigeria.
