- The just-concluded hunger protests signalled widespread frustration with the current state of the economy and governance
- Protesters insisted the government reverse some key policies, citing these policies as significant contributors to the rising cost of living in the country
- Tinubu implemented some measures to calm the unrest and cushion the economic crisis in the country
The #Endbadgovernance protests, which started on Thursday, August 1, finally ended on Saturday, August 10. The 10-day action swept across Nigeria, signalling widespread frustration with the current state of the economy and governance.
The protesters insisted on reversing key policies from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, notably the elimination of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, citing these policies as major contributors to the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
In an effort to calm the unrest and stabilise the country, the president implemented some measures to soften the hearts of the protesters, cushion the economic crisis and build confidence in the government.
TheRadar highlights these measures below:
1. Suspension of import duties and taxes
Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, announced on Tuesday, August 6, that the government is determined to address the economic situation efficiently, to alleviate hunger across the nation.
He said, “We are committed to implementing this measure seamlessly to address the problem of hunger in our nation.”
He explained that the initiative features the introduction of advanced ruling systems, authorized economic operators, and a time-release study, which is intended to improve trade, drive economic growth, and open up new opportunities.
The Customs head explained that these reforms are designed to help farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs gain quicker access to global markets, thereby improving the well-being of their families and communities.
2. Selling 40kg bag of rice for N40,000
The Federal Government announced the establishment of centres nationwide where Nigerians can buy 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 to ease the national food crisis.
This was revealed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, signed by the Ministry's Director of Human Resources, Jaiyesimi Abimbola.
The letter read, “As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at a subsidised rate of N40,000 only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.”
“For effective implementation, all interested staff are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website, https://www.ohcsf.gov.ng, print, and submit same to the Director, HR, for endorsement.”
3. Empowerment scheme, N50,000 monthly for Niger Delta region
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, along with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, called the youths and people of the Niger Delta to refrain from the scheduled August 1 anti-government protest on Tuesday, August 6.
This was at the start of the Youth Internship Scheme, initiated by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to support 10,000 youths in the Niger Delta region.
The Senate President stated that 10,000 youths will be engaged in the initiative aimed at skill improvement, with those in the initial phase receiving a monthly allowance of N50,000.
5 protests around the world that led to a change of government
There is an increasing acknowledgement of young people’s role in driving political change. This trend was illustrated by Kenya's political reforms, the recent youth-led protests in Bangladesh resulting in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation, and many other similar occurrences.
TheRadar earlier reported five influential protests from around the globe that successfully prompted changes in the government.