President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation through a live broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, amid ongoing protests tagged #EndBadGovernance, across Nigeria.The nationwide demonstrations began on Thursday, August 1, in response to widespread hardship experienced by citizens. Several reports indicate that at least 17 people have been killed by security forces so far, with many protesters arrested, while some injured, across the country.
Here are the Top 8 key points from his speech
● Call for Peace and end of violence:
President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the lives lost during the protests and called for an end to the violence. “I commiserate with the families and relations of those who have died in the protests. We must stop further bloodshed, violence, and destruction,” he stated.
● Immediate suspension of Protests:
Tinubu urged protesters to suspend further demonstrations and engage in dialogue. “I hereby enjoin protesters and the organizers to suspend any further protests and create room for dialogue,” he said.
● Stance on Fuel subsidy:
President Tinubu defended his decision to remove fuel subsidies and reform the foreign exchange system, stating these actions were necessary to “reverse decades of economic mismanagement.”
● Fiscal Improvements
President Tinubu noted economic progress, stating, “Government revenues have more than doubled, reaching over N9.1 trillion in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.”
● Infrastructure Development:
The President highlighted the ongoing major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.
● Revival of the Oil and Gas Sector
Tinubu announced an increase in oil production to 1.61 million barrels per day and a renewed interest from investors in the sector.
● plans on Compressed Natural Gas:
The government launched a CNG initiative to power transportation and reduce costs, planning to distribute a million conversion kits. Also the government promise to mark out CNG centers across the nation to ease the dependent on PMS
●Measures for food security:
President Tinubu announced plans to increase food production by removing tariffs on certain food items and distributing farming equipment to farmers.
The President ended his speech by calling for unity and patience, stating, “Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose to hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation.
