Nigerian FM cautions against foreign interference in cost-of-living protests

ABUJA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) — Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar on Wednesday appealed to diplomatic missions to shun interference in the ongoing cost-of-living protests in the country, saying the government was working assiduously to address the citizens’ concerns.
Speaking at a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja, capital of the most populous African country, Tuggar called for collaborative support from the international community in tackling economic challenges and ensuring a better life for Nigerians at home and abroad.
“While the government continues to work hard through various reforms to address challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs,” he said, emphasizing that the country is governed by the rule of law and the government will do all it can to protect its citizenry.
“The government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria found to have directly or indirectly supported protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs,” he said.
The ongoing 10-day protests by the youth were intended to peacefully call on the government to address the economic hardships amid the serious cost-of-living crisis in the West African country. However, the demonstrations, which began on Aug. 1, turned violent in some major cities, prompting the police to beef up security.
The inflation rate in Nigeria rose to 34.19 percent in June. ■