In Nigeria, the increase in living costs has led citizens to declare a “day of rage,” protesting severe economic conditions despite the government’s appeals to refrain from protests.
Activist Banwo Olagokun, a prominent figure in the Take It Back Movement, explains, “We are protesting because the inflation rate has rendered basic necessities—food, water, clothing, and healthcare—unaffordable.”
With an annual inflation rate reaching 34.19%, a high not seen in nearly 30 years, the economic pressure is tangible, especially in Lagos where the price of essentials like yams has quadrupled.
Faced with rising prices, Nigerians have demonstrated incredible resilience by opting for lower-quality food and reducing the number of meals. However, it is still uncertain where their breaking point lies.
The Take It Back Movement, which Olagokun is part of, demands governmental action against the rising cost of living and advocates for free education at all levels.
“This is about reversing the factors driving up prices,” Olagokun states.
Their agenda also includes bold proposals such as abolishing the 1999 constitution, enabling overseas Nigerians to vote, and securing the release of Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The movement draws part of its inspiration from Kenya, where recent youth-led protests resulted in the cancellation of a controversial tax increase. Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of the movement, believes their demands are achievable.
“If Kenyans called for the dissolution of their cabinet and succeeded, why can’t we?” Sanyaolu asks. He insists that the protests are a legitimate expression of democracy.
These upcoming protests have captured the Nigerian government’s attention, prompting two emergency cabinet meetings in recent days.
President Bola Tinubu, through Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi, has pleaded for patience, promising that the administration is working on delivering benefits to the populace.
However, state governors have expressed concerns about potential violence if the protests proceed.
The government seems to be making concessions, recently announcing initiatives like reopening financial aid applications for young entrepreneurs and hiring drives by the state oil company.
But Sanyaolu argues these are insufficient. “The government is already making concessions without us even starting the protests,” he notes. “Imagine what could happen if we really took to the streets.”
The economic turmoil is attributed to several factors. The de-pegging of the naira from the US dollar aimed to attract foreign investments but led to a significant devaluation. The removal of a fuel subsidy, intended to reduce government spending, resulted in increased fuel prices, affecting the costs of other goods. Additionally, security issues have disrupted supply chains, exacerbating the economic situation.
In response to these challenges, the government has rolled out measures like distributing grains from the national reserve and offering temporary financial assistance to the poorest citizens.
However, the economic situation has been tough on businesses too. Abosede Ibikunle, a caterer in Lagos, shares that her customers now prefer to cook their own meals for events due to the high costs.
There are concerns that the protests could echo the violent outcomes of the 2020 #EndSars demonstrations, which were initially against police brutality but expanded into broader anti-government protests.
Warnings from government and military officials about potential violence have not deterred protest organizers. “We have nothing to lose but our chains,” Sanyaolu asserts, echoing Karl Marx. “We are already down, so we have lost our fear.”
As Nigerians brace for the planned protests, the government’s response and the actual turnout will be pivotal in shaping the country’s efforts to address its profound economic challenges.
Source: Ghana Web
