The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has stated that President Bola Tinubu is closely monitoring the #EndBadGovernance protests occurring nationwide.

The recent demonstrations in Nigeria have been driven by the escalating cost of living, exacerbated by the naira’s floating exchange rate and the cessation of fuel subsidies by the Tinubu administration.

Despite calls for President Tinubu to address the nation following three days of protests—though they have begun to wane—the president has yet to make a public statement. However, Bagudu emphasized that the president is aware of the situation.

“Mr. President has been monitoring the situation as he should, very responsibly and attentively,” Bagudu remarked during Channels Television’s special program, The August Protest — #EndBadGovernance, on Saturday.

As a minister with responsibilities, Bagudu noted that he too has been observing the protests closely. “I have been monitoring this and noting the developments so that I can contribute effectively,” he said.

The recent surge in inflation, which has reached 34 percent, has driven millions of Nigerians struggling to afford essentials to the streets, voicing their discontent with the Tinubu administration’s reforms. While the initial protests were largely peaceful, some cities experienced disturbances. In Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and other areas, hoodlums hijacked the demonstrations, leading to looting and destruction of property valued in the millions.

In response to the unrest, several states imposed curfews, and the police arrested numerous suspects. Bagudu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but noted that such challenges are not unique to Nigeria. He assured that the Federal Government is working to alleviate these difficulties and values the input from the public.

“The cost of living crisis is affecting many countries globally,” Bagudu stated, adding, “We are listening and we value the contributions of Nigerians.”

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