President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has listed three major achievements of his administration as reasons why Nigerians should reconsider the proposed hardship protest scheduled for August 1-10, 2024. Speaking at the State House on Thursday, Tinubu emphasized the commencement of the student loan scheme, the new N70,000 minimum wage, and the establishment of the consumer credit initiative as key measures aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
During his meeting with a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, President Tinubu urged those planning the protest to avoid turning Nigeria into a situation similar to Sudan. He highlighted his government’s efforts to rework the social welfare scheme to reach every vulnerable Nigerian, especially 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 so that we can give allowances to the poor and the vulnerable,” Tinubu said.
He detailed the benefits of the student loan program, which is designed to cover school fees and provide monetary support for children’s education. Additionally, the consumer credit initiative will enable citizens to purchase cars and houses with the option to repay gradually.
“We have increased the minimum wage by more than 100 percent,” Tinubu noted, referring to the new minimum wage of N70,000 agreed upon after discussions between his administration and Nigerian workers. This new Minimum Wage Act was passed by the Nigerian National Assembly on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the federal government recently began disbursing funds to 110,000 beneficiaries of its N35 billion funded student loan scheme, following its approval of a N100 billion consumer credit initiative in April.
President Tinubu’s administration is focused on improving social welfare and economic conditions for all Nigerians. He believes these efforts demonstrate his commitment to addressing the country’s challenges and providing tangible benefits to its citizens.
