Nigeria is gearing up for a nationwide protest this week. The protest stems from the dire economic situation in the country.
Despite the pleas from Nigerians seeking change, government officials have warned against joining the protest.
The organisers, yet to be identified, argue that the Nigerian government’s shortcomings have pushed them to the wall, leaving them no choice.
Here’s what we know about the protest.
Nigeria’s Economic Status
Nigeria is experiencing its most severe cost-of-living crisis decades after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu implemented reforms upon assuming office in 2023.
These reforms led to the removal of a fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a threefold increase in petrol prices and a surge in inflation.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, both based in the US, stated that the measures were necessary to revive Nigeria’s economy, and the government has appealed for patience.
Sadly, the reform has affected Nigerians significantly with food inflation exceeding 40% and hunger escalating, especially in the Northern region.
Potential Unrest Similar to Kenya
According to some analysts, the upcoming protest could gain momentum as it did in Kenya, as both countries share the same grievances.
Nigerian risk consultancy SBM warned that an overly aggressive approach from the authorities could lead to “a confrontation that may spiral beyond anyone’s control.”
However, many experts believe that Nigeria’s situation is distinct and less likely to rally large crowds. They point to the limited unrest witnessed thus far due to Tinubu’s reforms and concerns stemming from previous crackdowns.
The Faces Behind the Protests
Nigerian authorities have warned against protesting young individuals who have garnered support on social media through the hashtags “EndBadGovernanceinNigeria” and “RevolutionNow.”
Some advocacy groups have announced plans to organise peaceful demonstrations. AFP reports that organisers have accused the authorities of laying the groundwork for a potential crackdown. They clarified that ordinary Nigerians are leading the movement.
Public Sentiment
Activists are hopeful that thousands of Nigerians will participate in nationwide protests, particularly in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
However, many residents in the capital express concerns about potential violence or losing a day’s earnings.
Patience, a 27-year-old mother who sells corn at a roadside stall, is one of the Nigerians seeking change. She shared that her primary concern is earning enough to purchase formula milk for her nine-month-old son, as the price has surged following the president’s reforms.
“If I have enough money before that day, I will attend,” she stated.
Northern Nigeria’s Situation
The economic crisis has had a devastating impact in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria, and religious leaders appear apprehensive, urging people to steer clear of the protests.
Nevertheless, several groups plan to proceed with the protest, and individuals also expressed their support on the streets of Kano.
Official Responses
Throughout Nigeria, calls for protests have been met with a flurry of warnings from government officials, security forces, and governors urging young people to refrain from participating. Additionally, several arrests have been made.
The government has agreed to more than double the minimum wage and introduced measures to alleviate hunger, such as distributing rice nationwide.
In Abuja, the police are deploying over 4,000 officers in anticipation of the protests.
Reflecting on the Past
Nigeria’s last significant protest movement culminated in a crackdown by security forces.
The #EndSARS demonstrations of 2020 commenced due to abuses by the SARS anti-robbery police squad and escalated into the largest anti-government protests in modern Nigerian history.
Amnesty International reported that soldiers shot and killed at least ten people at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos. However, the government and the army refute any involvement.
In 2012, the military also suppressed “Occupy Nigeria” protests against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s attempt to eliminate fuel subsidies.