On August 4, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a public broadcast addressing the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
The speech covered a wide range of topics, from public order to economic reforms, and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s challenges. Here are the ten key points from his address, along with relevant quotes:
1. Public Order
President Tinubu underscored the importance of maintaining public order, stating, “As President of this country, I must ensure public order. In line with my constitutional oath to protect the lives and property of every citizen, our government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
He urged the protesters to suspend further demonstrations, highlighting the need for dialogue: “Under the circumstances, I hereby enjoin protesters and the organisers to suspend any further protest and create room for dialogue, which I have always acceded to at the slightest opportunity.”
2. Economic Reforms
The President discussed the tough decisions made to reform the economy, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the restructuring of the foreign exchange system. He remarked, “These actions blocked the greed and the profits that smugglers and rent-seekers made. They also blocked the undue subsidies we had extended to our neighbouring countries to the detriment of our people, rendering our economy prostrate.”
3. Infrastructure Development
Tinubu highlighted the government’s commitment to completing significant infrastructure projects, saying, “We are working to complete inherited projects critical to our economic prosperity, including roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments.”
4. Oil and Gas Industry
The President announced progress in the oil and gas sector, stating, “Last month, we increased our oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day, and our gas assets are receiving the attention they deserve. Investors are coming back.”
He also introduced the Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, aimed at reducing costs and dependence on imported petroleum: “To address this, we immediately launched our Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (CNG) to power our transportation economy and bring costs down.”
5. Education
Tinubu expressed his administration’s dedication to improving education through various initiatives. “To date, 45.6 billion Naira has already been processed for payment to students and their respective institutions,” he announced.
6. Grants and Financial Support
He detailed the financial support provided to citizens and small businesses, mentioning, “More than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens.”
7. Minimum Wage Increase
Addressing wage concerns, Tinubu stated, “I signed the National Minimum Wage into law last week, and the lowest-earning workers will now earn at least N70,000 a month.”
8. Agricultural Initiatives
The President outlined measures to enhance food security, saying, “To help drive down the prices, I have directed that tariffs and other import duties should be removed on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next 6 months.”
9. #EndBadGovernance Protests
In response to the protests, Tinubu said, “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens.”
10. Security and Peace
Finally, Tinubu assured the nation of the government’s commitment to security, stating, “Security operatives should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.”
