Lagos, Nigeria – A large group of angry demonstrators gathered Thursday morning in Ikeja, the heart of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos. Among them was 20-year-old Samuel Adeleke, who held a protest sign and shouted about soaring food prices and the rising cost of living. The protests, dubbed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, are bringing thousands of people together across the country, demanding changes in the government’s approach to leadership.
As the protesters moved toward Ojota, their numbers swelled to several thousand, all calling for action from the authorities. Organizers have scheduled ten days of demonstrations in response to poor governance, corruption, and the increasing cost of living, which has left millions in distress. The protests have faced resistance from authorities, who have imposed nighttime curfews in certain areas, while police in Abuja have used tear gas and gunfire to disperse crowds.
Adeleke, a law student at the University of Lagos, criticized the government for raising education costs and cutting student support programs. “The government, which received free education, has now taken it away,” he stated to Al Jazeera. The economic situation has worsened since Bola Tinubu took office as president in May 2023, following his decision to abolish a fuel subsidy that had been in place since the 1970s. While experts believe this reform will strengthen the economy in the long term, for many citizens, it has become a daily struggle to make ends meet.
Food inflation in Nigeria has now reached 40 percent, the highest level in nearly three decades. Insecurity has also increased alongside the rising incidence of kidnappings and violence. Demonstrators like Jibril Suleiman, who hails from a region severely affected by Boko Haram, express concerns for their community’s safety and living conditions.
In Lagos, many shops and businesses have closed to avoid violent clashes during the protests, but the atmosphere is divided. While some choose to participate, others opt to stay home out of fear of violence. The police have increased their presence in the city in an attempt to maintain order.
“This is a build-up of grievances,” explains Adewunmi Emowura from the consulting firm Gatefield. “Chronic hunger, high unemployment, and lack of accountability from a government that imposes austerity measures while living in luxury are the fundamental complaints.”
As the protest situation remains volatile, many speculate about how the current government will handle growing discontent. Experts warn that if authorities do not address these issues, it could lead to further anarchy and social unrest.
Many citizens can no longer afford basic goods, and the rising prices of food and fuel have created a food crisis affecting the majority of the population. Over the weekend, multiple violent clashes were reported in Abuja as authorities continued to push back against the protests.
As the demonstrations spread, according to Emowura, Nigeria faces a crucial crossroads regarding the public’s demand for change. “The people…