Police use teargas as Nigerians protest cost of living crisis

On Thursday, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets across the country to protest the skyrocketing cost of living, exacerbated by recent government reforms.

In Abuja, the capital, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds near the presidential villa, as demonstrators gathered to express their frustration over economic hardships and governance issues.

The protests, organized under the banner #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, unfolded in multiple cities including Lagos, Kano, Katsina, and Port Harcourt. The demonstrations reflect widespread discontent with the economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu, which have led to soaring inflation and a significant devaluation of the naira from N464 to N1600.

The government, which scrapped petrol subsidy without providing cushioning measures and increased electricity rates, has spent the last three weeks, finding ways to stop the protests. They claimed the protest would be violent and was aimed at removing Mr Tinubu from office, allegations the protesters deny.

Authorities deployed armed security personnel in anticipation of potential unrest. In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, protesters were closely monitored by police and soldiers as they marched toward government offices.

The situation was tense, with security forces blocking access to key sites, such as Abuja’s Eagle Square and the Lekki toll gate in Lagos—a site infamous for the 2020 #EndSARS protests that ended in violence.

The protestors’ grievances centre around the removal of fuel subsidies and the hike in electricity tariffs, which they argue have led to unbearable living costs. Food inflation has reached 40%, and fuel prices have tripled, putting immense pressure on ordinary Nigerians. Despite recent government measures, including distributing grain and financial aid, the discontent continues to grow.

President Tinubu’s administration has come under fire for its handling of the crisis. Critics argue that the government’s response has been slow and inadequate, failing to address the root causes of the economic downturn.

Labour unions initially demanded a minimum wage increase to N494,000, later reducing their demand to N250,000. However, the government’s recent approval of a N70,000 minimum wage has done little to quell public anger, as the amount barely covers basic living expenses.

Potential Crackdown

The protest organizers, a coalition of civil society groups, presented a list of 19 demands. Key among these are the reversal of fuel price hikes, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and a reduction in import duties.

They also call for full transparency and accountability in governance, including the disclosure of public officials’ salaries and allowances.

Despite the peaceful intent of the protests, government officials and security agencies have expressed concerns about potential violence.

The State Security Service (SSS) and Nigerian Army have both warned that the protests could be hijacked by criminal elements, leading to anarchy. This has raised concerns among activists about a potential crackdown on dissent, as government rhetoric seems increasingly hostile towards the protest movement.

The protests are expected to last for 10 days, with the organizers vowing to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. The situation remains fluid, with both protesters and government forces bracing for what could be a prolonged and tense standoff.