By Joy Odor
As nationwide hunger planned protests drawn close, the Independent Media & Policy Initiative (IMPI) has on Tuesday call for patience, cooperation, and understanding to President Bola Tinubu administration from all Nigerians.
IMPI pointing out that the call for patience was so as not to disrupt the gathering momentum being built in the nations economic sphere that may be counterproductive.
The IMPI Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju who gave the charge at a World Press Conference in Abuja noted that Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are yielding positive results as the policies have begun to show initial capacity to redress the challenges they were conceived to address.
He appealed to Nigerians to reconsider their plans to stage hunger protests rather support the government’s efforts to achieve economic prosperity and growth.
According to him, the reforms including the harmonization of foreign exchange windows and removal of fuel subsidy have been pivotal in reducing our national debt and enhancing fiscal management.
Others are, Distribution of improved seeds, fertilizers, and equipment to farmers, resulting in a significant increase in agricultural production.
“The national debt profile decreased from $108 billion to $91 billion, a reduction of $17 billion, saying, “This impressive reduction in national debt profile is a testament to the effectiveness of these policies.
“In the power sector, IMPI commended the commissioning of the Zungeru Hydro-Electric Power Station, which added 700 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. The power sector has recorded a number of interventions through policies and actions by the federal government.
“A total of N309 billion has been generated into the economy through agriculture.
“The reopening of the Lagos-Kano railway line was also commended as a milestone in transportation.
“The facilitation of social and cultural integration between and among various ethnic groups along the Lagos-Kano railway route was legendary and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a game-changer in education which Applicants have started receiving credits for school fees and upkeep.
“In consideration of the prevailing situation in Nigeria, especially as it relates to agitations by some concerned Nigerians who are threatening to protest high cost of living, we have deemed it fit to engage the public space principally for the purpose of putting the large social economic issues in context.
“We must work together to achieve economic prosperity and growth. The Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are on track, and we must support them.
“Those who want to protest have the right to do so but this must be done in the appropriate context.
“A protest should be anchored on substantive rationale or reasons that are achievable. Based on this, we appeal for patience so as not to disrupt the gathering momentum being built in the nations economic sphere that may be counterproductive” he stressed.
