The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has pleaded with Nigerians. That they should suspend the nationwide protest. That is being tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria against hunger and poverty.
Shuaibu said this in a statement. This was issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji. On Saturday in Abuja.
The Minister implored Nigerians to embrace dialogue in addressing all their concerns regarding the difficulties being faced in the country.
He also implored them to trust President Bola Tinubu’s administration. And that it is working assiduously to address the challenges in the country.
He made mention of the policies and strategic plans of the current administration. And that they are aimed at driving Nigeria to economic prosperity. And to improve welfare and quality education. And to also strengthen health systems.
He further said that other policies were focused. On improving social amenities and food security. And also, infrastructural development, among others.
The minister assured Nigerians. He said that their desire for good governance would be achieved. And it will before the end of the current administration’s first tenure.
He said, “Mr President has shown countless times. His concern for the plight of Nigerians. And also, the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers.”
“Driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles. This is to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy. Which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.”
“In response to the challenges of the masses. In this face of the ongoing reforms. President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each. This is to be given to over 100,000 families per state for three months.”
“This will impact close to 5,000,000 families nationwide. And also, my colleague, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari. With the directive of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days.”
“These are strategic measures. And they are aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented.”
Audu said that 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat. And also, 250,000 metric tonnes of maize were being imported. And it will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.
He also explained that, in strengthening the health sector. The president had directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. And it is aimed at facilitating access to quality. And also, affordable healthcare services.
He said, “In the steel sector. The ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. And will attract Foreign Direct Investments. Which is a means of growing and diversifying the economy.”
The minister appealed to Nigerians to end the protest. Noting its hijack by miscreants. And they are already causing mayhem, a breakdown of law and order across the country.
He appluded the people of Kogi for not participating in the protest. And he said, instead, they resorted to dialogue. And also, collaborative efforts with the All Progressive Congress-led government of the state.
