On Wednesday, July 24, security authorities in Nigeria held an emergency meeting as the youth planned protests inspired by Kenya's Gen Zs.
The meeting included the Secretary to the Government for the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the National Security Advisor (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and ministers to discuss a way forward on the planned protests.
Officials from several ministries including 40 ministers were seen arriving at the meeting which was held behind closed doors.
These protests are scheduled for August 1 to August 10 as Nigerians complain about economic hardships in the country.
Additionally, they also complained about the prices of basic commodities such as food and housing. The citizens are demanding the government put in place measures to mitigate the situation.
Following the meeting, all federal ministers were directed to visit their respective states before the protests begin next week on Thursday.
"All ministers were present. They suggested that there should be a national address. It suggested that the President himself should do it. But the suggestion must have to reach the President first."
"They also asked ministers to put together three key achievements they have made in the past year. They will compile these achievements and present them to Nigerians," a source told the Punch Nigeria.
According to Information Minister Mohammed Idris who was part of the emergency meeting, the government was pleading with the youth not to take to the streets on the said dates.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu's administration was working to address the economic challenges in the country but needed more time and patience from its citizens.
Idris while speaking to the press after the meeting, emphasised that it was unnecessary to hold protests and assured the youth that the government was in dialogue with several stakeholders to resolve the issues.
Earlier, President Tinubu pleaded with the youth to call off the protests adding that they should await the government's response to their demands.
Protests in Kenya erupted on June 18, with young Kenyans demanding the withdrawal of the controversial finance bill and the resignation of corrupt government officials. Protests are still ongoing with another round expected today.
The protests also inspired the youth in Uganda who also took to the streets on Tuesday this week. Ugandans were demonstrating against corruption in the East African country.
