Nigerian lawmakers agreed to take a 50% pay cut for six months to support the government’s efforts to address the country’s economic challenges. This decision came alongside a plea to young Nigerians to avoid a planned nationwide protest.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution urging organizers of the protest to prioritize peace and engage in dialogue with the government. Lawmakers acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians, including high living costs, food scarcity, and unemployment. However, they argued that protests would not solve the problems and could worsen the situation.
The salary cut proposal originated from the Deputy Speaker, who argued the government needed more time to address longstanding issues. He emphasized that the President’s administration understood the difficulties and was working on solutions.
Several lawmakers echoed this sentiment, urging young Nigerians to be patient and give the government a chance. They highlighted initiatives already underway, such as a student loan scheme.
One lawmaker pointed to past successful leadership in managing economic challenges and suggested the country could benefit from similar experience. The House Speaker expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to move forward despite criticism on social media.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Niger State assured the public that youths in his state would not participate in the planned protest. He announced the release of subsidized food reserves to address the cost of living. The governor also expressed support for local government autonomy and urged them to prioritize worker salaries.
A non-governmental organization joined the chorus against the protests, citing concerns about national security and public safety. They acknowledged the government’s efforts to address hunger and urged Nigerians to support these initiatives. The group warned that protests could be infiltrated by disruptive elements and urged citizens to engage with the government constructively.