Protests are underway in several Nigerian cities to put pressure on the government to tackle the nation’s increasing cost of living. The demonstrations, known as #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria, have been orchestrated by predominantly young individuals using social media.
However, many people across the country are experiencing poor internet connectivity, with protesters pointing fingers at the telecommunications companies for deliberately obstructing their cause. It remains uncertain why the internet speed slowed at the beginning of the demonstrations.
Ahead of the protests, millions across the country had their phone lines restricted after the telecom companies alleged they had failed to link the National Identification Numbers with their SIMs. After a huge public outrage, the regulator ordered the restrictions be lifted.
While authorities have expressed concern over the possibility of the rallies turning violent, lawyers in the country under the aegis of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have established complimentary legal aid services for demonstrators and instructed its branches nationwide to oversee the protests.