HUNGER PROTEST: Tinubu Addresses The Nation, Defends Removal Of Fuel Subsidy As Necessary For Economic Reform

The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday (today), addressed the nation on the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria/#EndHunger nationwide protests, urging Nigerians to shun violence and live in peace,even in the face of the protests.

The President called for an end to the 10-day protests, which began on August 1, with widespread unrest across some states, including Borno, Jigawa, Kano and Kaduna.

In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction of property.

“I speak to you today with a heavy heart and a sense of responsibility, aware of the turmoil and violent protests unleashed in some of our states.

“I am especially pained by the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and some other states, the destruction of public facilities, and the wanton looting of supermarkets and shops”, he stated.

Tinubu emphasised his commitment to maintaining public order and safeguarding the lives and property of every citizen and warned those exploiting the situation for political gain, stating, “The law will catch up with you. There is no place for ethnic bigotry or such threats in the Nigeria we seek to build”.

The President acknowledged the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and outlined measures taken by his administration to address some of the issues. 

He highlighted the removal of fuel subsidies and the abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems as necessary steps to rectify decades of economic mismanagement.

He noted significant strides in economic recovery, including doubling government revenues and reducing the proportion of revenue spent on debt service. “In the past 14 months, our government has made significant strides in rebuilding the foundation of our economy to carry us into a future of plenty and abundance”, Tinubu said.

The President also mentioned the launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative aimed at reducing transportation costs and curbing inflation, urging the youth to take advantage of the newly established student loan scheme and other economic empowerment programmes of his administration..

Tinubu called for national unity and collective effort towards rebuilding the nation. “Nigeria requires all hands-on deck and needs us all – regardless of age, party, tribe, religion, or other divides, to work together in reshaping our destiny as a nation”, he said.

He reiterated his vision for a just and prosperous Nigeria, where democratic governance provides peace, freedom, and a meaningful livelihood for all.

The President urged security operatives to maintain peace and order responsibly while upholding human rights, ending with a call for unity and hope. “Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. The economy is recovering; please, don’t shut out its oxygen”, he emphasised.