Despite government warnings, Nigerians took to the streets in major cities across the country on Thursday to protest against the soaring cost of living.
The demonstrations, organised under the banner of #EndBadGovernance, is a response to the economic hardship brought on by rising inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies.
Nigeria is currently contending with a record high inflation rate at 34.19 per cent in June 2024 due to the two-time devaluation of the naira and removal of petrol subsidy.
Food inflation, which constitutes the largest percentage of the headline inflation, is currently 40.87. The cost of energy and transportation have skyrocketed in the last one year, making life difficult for the masses.
The government’s efforts to dissuade protesters, citing potential security risks, were unsuccessful.
Protesters are demanding the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, a review of the foreign exchange policy, and measures to address food shortages and unemployment. They are also calling for reforms within anti-corruption agencies and the electoral body.
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The protests paralysed economic activities across the country as banks and other businesses shut down on Thursday.
The demonstration was largely peaceful in Lagos State. Protests were held in several locations, including Ikeja Under Bridge, Alausa, Lekki Toll Gate and Ojota with protesters expressing their grievances in the current administration. The protesters defied a court order restricting them to Freedom and Peace Parks at Ojota.
Protesters in Abuja initially gathered at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where a court order had restricted them, they eventually marched to the Eagle Square where they were tear gassed by security agents. They later reconvened after a few hours.
What started as a peaceful protest in Kano has turned violent as protesters looted and vandalised the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) Industrial Park. The irate youths also breached security at the Kano State Government Secretariat, prompting security agents to shoot some of them.
Similarly incidents also occurred in Kaduna and Yobe states as angry youths set ablaze some vehicles, prompting the governments to declare curfew.
The protest in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, remained peaceful as protesters actively discouraged violence among themselves. Security personnel were on patrol throughout the city to maintain order and ensure the safety of all participants.
