Nigerians across the nation are protesting against rising hunger, poverty and perceived government mismanagement. The movement was branded under the End Bad Governance in Nigeria coalition.
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Nigeria is experiencing an inflation rate of 34%, the highest in nearly three decades. This inflationary pressure has led to an increase in the cost of food, transportation and other essential commodities.
The abrupt removal of a popular fuel subsidy in May 2024 has worsen the situation causing fuel prices to skyrocket.
Nigeria’s unemployment rate remains high contributing to the economic struggles faced by millions of citizens. The lack of job opportunities has impacted young people leading to increased frustration and desperation.
The northern regions of Nigeria are plagued by insecurity including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
This insecurity has disrupted agricultural activities leading to food shortages. Internally displaced persons (IDP) camps are overcrowded and the living conditions are dire.
Gunshots were heard as police used tear gas to disperse protesters. Protesters gathered outside the national stadium facing off with pro-government supporters.
A Digital Innovation Park, scheduled to open next week was stormed and looted by protesters. The chaos prompted a 24-hour curfew.
Businesses were shut down as protests filled the streets. The End Bad Governance protest saw a turnout. Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, these northern states also experienced protests with reports of violence and looting.
In Niger State, at least six people are feared dead after confrontations with the police. The police reportedly used live ammunition to disperse protesters.
Police arrested 11 armed individuals accused of looting and setting fire to government buildings. In Kaduna, three people were reportedly killed, while other parts of the country also saw fatalities and injuries.
Nigeria is experiencing its most severe cost-of-living crisis in decades by inflation rates soaring to 40% and the devaluation of the naira.
The removal of fuel subsidies has led to an increase in petrol prices with a cascading effect on the cost of essential goods and services.
Citizens, particularly young people feel the pinch as wages stagnate and employment opportunities remain scarce.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, a move intended to reduce government spending but which has backfired.
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An aspect of the protests is the call for an end to corruption and mismanagement, which are perceived as rampant in Nigeria’s governance.
Public officials are often accused of being among the best-paid in Africa contrasting with the poverty experienced by the masses. Protesters demand accountability and transparency from the government.
The protests have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets across major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and more.
Protestors carry banners and flags, chanting slogans like “We are hungry” and “End bad governance.”
The protests are largely organized via social media leveraging platforms to galvanize support and coordinate demonstrations.
The movement lacks a singular leadership structure resulting in a coalition of civil society groups and activists who are driving the protests forward.
Protesters have presented a list of 19 demands, chief among them the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, electoral reforms and a halt to government corruption.
Other demands include improvements to the judiciary, better security in conflict-affected regions and policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The protests have gained support from the Nigerian public, who are eager for change and frustrated by the government’s inability to address their grievances.
Some say that the protests have been hijacked by thugs who engage in looting and vandalism, leading to curfews being imposed in some states to maintain order.
Tinubu signed a bill into law that doubled the national minimum wage from N30,000 ($18.06) to N70,000 ($42.14) per month.
The government has removed taxes on food imports in a bid to tackle rising food prices and improve affordability.
Centers have been established across the nation to sell rice at about 50% of its cost.
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