The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, said the major concern of President Bola Ahmed ahead of the planned August 1, 2024, hardship protest is how to safeguard the gains of his government in the past 15 months.

Edun disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to him, the president desires that protests be peaceful so that Nigeria’s economic recovery momentum will not be dislodged.

Edun noted that Tinubu understands the concerns of Nigerians and is working round the clock to proffer lasting solutions.

“He is concerned that the protests will remain peaceful and orderly, such that the gains that have been made over the past 12 to 15 months should not be dissipated. The momentum that has been achieved in the Nigerian economy should not be dislodged, disturbed or dissipated.

“I think, amongst many other well-meaning Nigerians, the President truly understands the concerns that are being expressed, particularly the high and limited cost of living, which is not beneficial to Nigeria at this stage,” he said.

The minister commented barely hours before the planned August 1 protest nationwide.