Nigerian security forces have been deployed across major cities as the government prepares for protests against the rising cost of living and poor governance, scheduled for Thursday. Officials are concerned about potential violence, echoing the unrest seen during past demonstrations.
Since assuming office over a year ago, President Bola Tinubu has enacted economic policies, including removing fuel subsidies, devaluing the naira, and increasing electricity tariffs. These changes have driven inflation above 34%, significantly impacting Nigerians’ purchasing power and leading to widespread discontent.
The protests, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, have gained momentum online, with citizens demanding the reinstatement of fuel and electricity subsidies, free primary and secondary education, and a resolution to ongoing security issues. The country is grappling with severe insecurity, which has severely affected the farming sector. Armed gangs frequently kidnap residents and schoolchildren for ransom in the north, exacerbating the situation.
A senior government official, George Akume, expressed concern that the protests could be infiltrated by elements seeking to incite violence. “We prefer dialogue; we are ready for dialogue,” Akume told reporters, although he did not confirm if any talks with protest organizers had taken place. “Nigeria is a work in progress, and things will soon improve.”
The government has attempted to dissuade citizens from protesting through a mix of threats and persuasion. In the capital city, Abuja, the commercial hub Lagos, and the northern city of Kano, armed police have set up checkpoints and are conducting car searches. In Abuja, police have occupied the main square where protesters planned to gather, while military vehicles are stationed nearby.
A court order has restricted Lagos protesters to two locations on the outskirts of the city, heightening concerns about potential violence similar to the EndSARS protests in October 2020, which resulted in loss of life and property damage. Memories of those demonstrations are still fresh in the minds of many Nigerians. “I don’t want it (the protest) to extend into the night so that it doesn’t turn out to be another thing like EndSARS,” said Nneka Ochiachebe, a vendor in Lagos.
In Kano, businesses are taking precautions against potential unrest. At one of the city’s largest malls, Sufi Mart, workers are reinforcing windows with shutters in anticipation of possible violence.
As tensions rise, the government’s call for dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for peaceful resolution. Citizens hope that their voices will be heard and that meaningful changes will be implemented to alleviate the economic hardships and security challenges they face. The outcome of these protests could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s path toward greater stability and prosperity.
