By Milcah Tanimu
Protests over economic hardship in Nigeria erupted on October 1 in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. This coincided with the country’s 64th Independence Day celebrations. In Lagos, demonstrators gathered under the Ikeja Bridge for the ‘National Day of Survival’ protest. They voiced their frustrations about worsening economic conditions.
Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, led the protest in Lagos. Various civil society organizations (CSOs) organized the event under the #EndBadGovernance Movement. This initiative follows previous protests that tackled pressing issues. These include the recent hike in fuel prices, soaring food costs, and inflation’s impact on ordinary Nigerians’ livelihoods.
In Abuja, protesters also took to the streets. They echoed similar concerns about the dire state of the economy. Security operatives set up roadblocks on routes leading to Eagle Square, where Independence Day events took place. This created significant challenges for commuters and journalists trying to access the area.
These protests highlight the rising dissatisfaction with economic policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Citizens demand urgent government action to alleviate their hardships. This moment marks a pivotal point in the ongoing struggle for better governance and economic stability in Nigeria.
