The Federal Government of Nigeria has called an emergency meeting on Wednesday in response to a nationwide protest planned for August 1, 2024. This announcement was made through a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah, on July 23, 2024. The circular, titled “Planned Nationwide Protest,” invites officials to attend the meeting scheduled for July 24, 2024, at 10 am in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Conference Room.
The meeting follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plea, conveyed through his Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, urging Nigerians to suspend the scheduled protest. The protest has been organized in reaction to the rising economic challenges facing the country, particularly the soaring core inflation and food inflation rates, which have reached 34.19% and 40.87%, respectively.
As inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of Nigerians, the cost of essential commodities has skyrocketed, leading to widespread public discontent. The emergency meeting aims to address these economic concerns and explore measures to stabilize the economy.
The government’s call for dialogue underscores its recognition of the public’s grievances and its commitment to finding solutions through policy adjustments. The outcome of this meeting will be crucial in shaping the response to the planned protest and addressing the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria.