As Nigeria commemorated its 64th Independence Day on Tuesday, thousands of citizens took to the streets in major cities, including the political capital Abuja and the economic hub Lagos, to protest against soaring living costs and energy prices in Africa’s most populous nation.
For many, the day was marked by frustration rather than celebration. Protesters, under the banner of the “FearlessInOctober” movement, demanded that President Bola Tinubu’s administration address the rising inflation and economic hardship that have gripped the country. This demonstration followed a similar protest in August, organized under the #EndBadGovernance campaign, with both actions reflecting growing public dissatisfaction over recent government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and increased electricity tariffs.
In Abuja’s Utako district, demonstrators waved the Green-White-Green national flag while holding banners with messages such as “EndBadGovernance,” “DiasporaVoting,” and “EndHighLivingCosts.” Meanwhile, in Lagos, protesters gathered at the busy Ikeja UnderBridge, causing significant traffic gridlock in the city. Banners in Lagos echoed the nation’s grievances, with inscriptions like “Hunger Dey” and calls to “Reverse Anti-People Policies.”
Activist Omoyele Sowore was among those leading the Lagos protests, marching with demonstrators to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, a well-known venue for civil protests. In both Lagos and Abuja, security forces maintained a presence but refrained from interfering with the peaceful gatherings.
Despite warnings from authorities, similar protests erupted across other states, highlighting widespread discontent with Tinubu’s economic reforms. Critics argue that the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates have fueled inflation, leading to a steep rise in the cost of living and energy.
Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the price of petrol has jumped from around N200 per litre to over N1,000, while electricity tariffs have quadrupled. These increases have severely impacted households and businesses, worsening the economic challenges for millions of Nigerians.
In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu acknowledged the hardship caused by his administration’s reforms but urged Nigerians to remain patient. He reassured citizens that the government is implementing measures to stabilize the economy and reduce living costs in the long term, insisting that the economic restructuring is ultimately in the best interest of ordinary Nigerians.
