Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets nationwide to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which they argue have exacerbated poverty and reduced purchasing power. The protests, which have been peaceful in some areas and violent in others, have drawn widespread attention and a significant police presence.
In Abuja, where a court order late Wednesday restricted the protest to a stadium, Nigerian police officers fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of protesters gathered a few kilometers from the Presidential Villa. Similar scenes unfolded in Bauchi and Borno states in the conflict-battered northeast, with police using tear gas against demonstrators. It was not immediately clear if any arrests were made.
Nigeria’s public officials, frequently accused of corruption, are among the best paid in Africa, a stark contrast to a country that, despite being one of the continent’s top oil producers, also has some of the world’s poorest and hungriest people.
Roads were blocked in parts of the country by either placard-carrying protesters or armed security forces, who were deployed overnight after days of mobilization for protests against the Tinubu administration. Some groups also staged protests in support of the Nigerian leader.
Rights groups and activists had raised concerns about a possible clampdown on the protests. Recent comments suggest “a troubling readiness to stifle dissent, heightening fears of a violent crackdown,” said Human Rights Watch.
Many businesses across the country were shut on Thursday amid fears the protests could replay the deadly 2020 demonstrations against police brutality in Nigeria or result in violence similar to last month’s protests in Kenya, where a tax hike led to chaos in the capital, Nairobi.
Tagged #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, the protest movement has gained momentum online among Nigerians who are battling with food inflation at 40 percent and fuel prices that have tripled since Tinubu introduced his reforms.
In Abuja, police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators, Reuters reported. In the northern city of Kano, protesters attempted to light bonfires outside the governor’s office, prompting police to respond with tear gas, according to AFP.
Security forces blocked roads leading to Abuja’s Eagle Square – one of the planned demonstration sites – while in Lagos, police and soldiers were stationed at strategic points, including the Lekki toll gate, where protests in 2020 against police brutality ended in bloodshed.
Carrying placards, bells, and Nigeria’s green-and-white flag, protesters chanted songs and listed their demands, including the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies. The removal of these subsidies, part of the government’s economic reforms, has led to soaring prices of almost everything.
The demonstrations come after weeks of unrest and antigovernment protests that turned violent in Kenya, where President William Ruto was forced to repeal planned tax hikes. In Uganda, police detained dozens of people participating in banned anticorruption protests organized online by young activists inspired by Kenya’s rallies.
Below is a summary of the protests by state:
Kaduna:
- Police reported vandalism of Kaduna State Traffic and Law Environmental Authority (KASTLEA) and Investment Promotions Agency (KADIPA) offices.
- 23 suspects were arrested.
- Tear gas was used to disperse protesters blocking the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway.
Abuja:
- Security forces stopped protesters from Mararaba, Nasarawa, from entering the Asoroko district.
- Protesters blocked the Mararaba-Nyanya Expressway.
- Tear gas was used to disperse protesters at Eagles Square and Mararaba.
Lagos:
- Ikorodu saw reduced activities with heavy security presence.
- Shehu Atiku Abubakar joined protests at Gani Fawehinmi Park.
- Various locations, including Ogudu and Ikeja, saw business closures and heavy police deployment.
- Some areas remained calm while others experienced significant security measures, including customs officers patrolling.
Yobe:
- Governor Mai Mala Buni praised youths for avoiding protests, contributing to the state’s peace.
Kebbi:
- Residents carried on daily routines unaffected by the protests.
Edo:
- Police Commissioner Funsho Adegboye commended the peaceful conduct of protesters and distributed water and snacks.
Benue:
- No signs of protests in the state; daily activities continued normally.
Sokoto:
- Youths barricaded major streets and the Government House, demanding the reintroduction of the fuel subsidy and a favorable exchange rate.
Kano:
- Police detained 13 suspects for vandalism.
- Protesters set fire to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) office.
- Major roads were taken over by armed youths.
Abeokuta:
- Low commercial activity with major businesses closed.
Niger:
- Six protesters were killed by police gunfire.
Jos:
- Christians protected Muslims during prayers.
- Protests remained peaceful with professional conduct by security personnel.
Katsina:
- The protest turned violent with vandalism and looting.
- A journalist was attacked by suspected security agents.
Gombe:
- Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters near the Government House.
Calabar:
- The city was at a standstill with the planned protest commencing.
Zamfara:
- Protests saw a low turnout in Gusau and other parts.
Akure:
- Peaceful atmosphere with closed markets and low human and vehicular movement.
Ibadan:
- Peaceful protests with closed shops and deserted streets.
Bauchi:
- The protest reportedly turned violent.
Ondo (Akungba):
- Despite no protests, businesses closed following a directive from the town’s king.
Kogi:
- Residents went about their daily activities with a heavy security presence in Lokoja and other towns.
General:
- Telecom operators reported internet speed interference, allegedly by the NCC and NSA.
- Rights activist Emeka Mbah criticized the government for suppressing communication.
- Pro-Tinubu demonstrators admitted to being paid to counter the protests.
- The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) urged protesters to conclude the protests peacefully.
- Eleven Protesters Killed as Police Open Fire on First Day of National Rallies Against Hunger and Corruption.
