A massive security presence has been deployed across major cities in Nigeria as protesters took to the streets in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, and Rivers states, demanding urgent action to address the country’s worsening economic crisis.
The protesters are calling for a reduction in food inflation, which skyrocketed to 40.87% in June 2024, a reversal of recent electricity tariff hikes, and ten other demands.
The Channel TV program, tagged “The August Protests,” saw demonstrators in various states, carrying placards that read “End bad governance,” “Enough is Enough,” “End hunger,” and “Nigerians are ready for New Naija.”
According to activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the protests have been peaceful so far. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga, noted that the protesters’ demands align with the pains of every Nigerian, emphasizing that the majority of citizens are struggling with hunger.
“It’s obvious that Nigerians are hungry. My family is hungry. There is economic hardship. The protest symbolizes the need to address the challenges facing Nigeria as a country,” Itodo said.
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has also urged protesters to maintain peace during the demonstrations.
However, reports indicate that no protesters showed up at designated venues in major southeast states, including Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia.
The protests highlight the growing discontent among Nigerians over the country’s economic woes, and the government’s response to the crisis will be closely watched in the coming days.
