President Bola Tinubu has made his first public statement since protests erupted in Nigeria, urging demonstrators to cease their protests against rising living costs. He expressed that he has “heard” their concerns and called for a suspension of the demonstrations, as well as an end to the “bloodshed.”

In a televised address on Sunday, Tinubu described the violence that has occurred in several states as unacceptable and emphasized that he is always open to dialogue. Human rights organization Amnesty International has accused security forces of killing at least 13 protesters, while police claim that seven people have died and deny responsibility.

“Dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing our citizens’ concerns,” stated Tinubu.

The president, who has been in office since May 2023, defended his economic reforms, which include a partial removal of fuel and electricity subsidies as well as the devaluation of the naira (Nigerian currency), as necessary steps to correct decades of economic mismanagement.

The protests began on August 1, when thousands took to the streets to demonstrate against government policies and high living costs. Demonstrators also organized online to demand lower fuel prices and electricity tariffs.

Opeyemi Folarin, an activist from Lagos, commented on Tinubu’s speech, calling it “disappointing.” “If he were willing to engage in dialogue, he should have made a concession,” he said, adding that the protesters are determined to continue until the government addresses their demands. “It is non-negotiable.”

Ahmed Idris, reporting from a small protest in Lagos, noted that while the Tinubu government has made reforms a central part of their agenda, the president did not address the protesters’ fundamental demands, particularly the reinstatement of fuel subsidies. “People are really desperate for relief, and that is why they will continue to demand faster reforms and government action to alleviate the pain,” he said.

Nigerian police reported that they had arrested nearly 700 individuals in the first two days of the protests, accusing them of “armed robbery, arson, disorderliness,” and destruction of property. Amnesty International has called for the release of protesters and urged police to refrain from using live ammunition to disperse crowds.

In his address, Tinubu stated, “Security forces should continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country in accordance with the necessary human rights conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.” He added that the government is increasing investments in infrastructure projects, has initiated a loan system for university students, and is building thousands of housing units across the country’s 36 states.

Government revenues have more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira (approximately 5.55 billion dollars) in the first half of this year, while 68 percent of revenues are now designated for debt repayment, down from 97 percent before Tinubu took office in May of last year.