The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has presented a list of demands to President Bola Tinubu as a precondition to halting a planned nationwide protest against economic hardship.
The protest, organized by various youth groups, is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, and last for ten days.
This development comes amidst rising discontent over the government’s economic policies, which many claim have exacerbated the cost of living crisis in the country.
Nigeria has been grappling with severe economic challenges, particularly since President Tinubu’s administration implemented policies such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira.
These measures, while aimed at stabilizing the economy in the long term, have led to a significant increase in food and fuel prices, causing widespread hardship among Nigerians.
In response to these conditions, young Nigerians, who constitute a significant portion of the population, have organized a protest to demand immediate relief measures.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) discussed the planned protest and expressed the view that the protest was unnecessary, citing ongoing government efforts to address the issues raised by the protesters.
Demands of the Youth Council
The NYCN has articulated eight specific demands that they believe will alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. These demands include:
Reduction in Food Prices: The government should take immediate steps to reduce food prices, possibly through subsidies or direct distribution of essential commodities.
Employment Opportunities: Creation of more job opportunities for the youth to tackle the high unemployment rate.
Educational Support: Implementation of policies that support students, including the provision of student loans and scholarships.
Healthcare Improvements: Enhancement of the healthcare system to ensure accessible and affordable medical services for all.
Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure projects that can stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
Security Enhancements: Strengthening of security measures to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Reduction in Government Spending: Cutting down on government expenditure, particularly in areas perceived as wasteful, to reallocate funds to critical sectors like education and healthcare.
Transparency and Accountability: Ensuring transparency and accountability in government dealings to build trust among the populace.
In a bid to dissuade the youth from proceeding with the protest, the Tinubu administration has rolled out several intervention plans.
These include the distribution of food items at subsidized rates, the implementation of student loans, and the establishment of a youth secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address youth-related issues directly.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasized that the government is already addressing many of the protesters’ demands.
He highlighted the distribution of essential commodities and the creation of job opportunities as key initiatives aimed at reducing the economic burden on Nigerians.
The announcement of the protest and the subsequent demands by the NYCN have elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some youth groups remain steadfast in their decision to protest, others have expressed reservations.
For instance, the National Youth Stakeholders Forum (NYSF) withdrew from the planned protest, citing concerns over potential violence and the motives behind the protest.
Similarly, the Coalition of Plateau Communities’ Youth Leaders dissociated themselves from the protest, questioning the intentions of the organizers and expressing a preference for dialogue and constructive engagement with the government.
As the August 1 protest date approaches, the situation remains tense. The NYCN’s demands reflect the urgent need for the government to address the economic challenges facing the country. While the Tinubu administration has taken steps to mitigate the impact of its policies, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
The youth, representing a significant and influential demographic, are calling for immediate and tangible actions to improve their living conditions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can meet these demands and avert the planned nationwide protest.
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