Hardship: Engage government in dialogue instead of protest, forum urges Nigerians

President of NYPF, Mr David Osadolor, who made the call in a statement on Sunday said the skyrocketing cost-of-living, amidst dwindling value of local currency, job losses and unstable foreign exchange, call for worry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some groups across the country have fixed Aug. 1 to Aug. 10 to embark on a protest to draw the attention of the Federal Government to the economic hardship, inflation and hunger faced by many families.

NAN also reports that the hardship was believed to have been necessitated by some of the policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, who took over power in May 2023.

Osadolor, however, admitted citizens’ constitutional right to protest, but said that the solutions depended on engagements and negotiations.

“This crisis has been exacerbated by the government’s dual policies of eliminating subsidies on petroleum products and unifying exchange rates, leading to unprecedented inflation and financial strain.

“Many of you, our young and vibrant professionals, have seen your jobs vanish and your businesses crumble under the weight of this economic burden.

“The uncertainty of the future looms over us, casting a shadow on our aspirations and dreams.

“It is your democratic right to voice your concerns and demand change. However, I urge you all to approach this demonstration with calm and peace,” Osadolor said.

According to him, the promoters of the protest should shelve their plan to protest and give the government more time to improve the situation since it has admitted at different fora that the country faced “difficult times”.

“In response to the hardship faced by families, the government recently approved the release of 20 trucks to the 36 states of the country and the FCT.

“Additionally, the government also reached a N70,000 minimum wage with labour as a means of alleviating the suffering Nigerian masses, especially workers pass through.

“We urge the government to engage in open and honest dialogue with Nigerian youths, and with young professionals as a whole.

“We need urgent and decisive action to address the dire economic situation we face,” Osadolor added.

He also called on the government to cut the cost of governance, reduce excessive expenditure, and lead by example.

“Constant interface with the people, reduction of third-party communication is the way to build trust.

“Our youth are our greatest asset; we must invest in their future by providing quality education, creating job opportunities and fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

“The government should implement policies that support small and medium-sized enterprises, as they are the backbone of our economy and the primary source of employment for our young professionals.

“Constructive dialogue and collective effort is the only way to move the nation forward.” (NAN