Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in nationwide protests organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), condemning the severe economic crisis that has led to skyrocketing living costs.
Citizens, grappling with the worst economic conditions in a generation, face challenges affording basic necessities such as food.
Protesters, carrying signs like “Let the poor breathe” and “End naira devaluation,” gathered in Abuja, with over 1,000 marching to the National Assembly. Vigilante groups and armed police monitored the demonstration.
The economic downturn, exacerbated by government reforms last year, has led to inflation, forcing many Nigerians to forgo meals and abandon once-basic items like meat, eggs, and milk.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and currency controls resulted in a tripling of petrol prices, contributing to a surge in living costs as the naira depreciated against the dollar.
In January, the inflation rate hit almost 30 percent, marking a three-decade high, according to the national bureau of statistics. While Tinubu has urged patience, citing long-term benefits like attracting foreign investment, citizens argue that the high cost of living has become unbearable.
Protesters like Roland Bamiche and activist Aghedo Kehinde Stephen voiced their frustration, emphasizing the impact of the economic crisis on the daily lives of Nigerians. In Lagos and Kano, demonstrators called for government intervention and relief measures to address the growing hardships faced by the population.