Nigerians have taken to the streets in major cities nationwide to protest against economic hardships, despite the government’s last-minute efforts to prevent the demonstrations. Inflation has surged to 34 percent, mainly due to the removal of subsidies and the floating of the naira, making basic necessities unaffordable for millions of Nigerians.
The #EndBadGovernance protest gained momentum on social media, with young Nigerians driving discussions on various digital platforms. Authorities had attempted to halt the protests, warning they could be hijacked by criminals. While acknowledging the nation’s challenges, the government urged the organizers to postpone the protests, promising more time to address the issues.
However, the Take It Back Movement, one of the protest organizers, refused to back down. Protesters are demanding the restoration of petrol subsidies, a revised forex regime, solutions to food shortages, and unemployment, and a reduction in government waste. They are also calling for immediate reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with a renewed focus on fighting corruption.
Throughout the day, protests have erupted in various cities:
12:08 pm: In Kano’s Gidan Baban Gwari area, protesters with placards and green leaves are monitored by security personnel.
11:55 am: Police disperse protesters with tear gas at the National Assembly junction in Abuja.
11:53 am: Security agencies in Taraba State attempt to turn back protesters chanting for the return of the fuel subsidy.
10:35 am: In Ilorin, most major roads are nearly empty, with few businesses open.
11:36 am: Protesters gather at the Rivers State Government House, awaiting an address from Governor Sim Fubara.
11:28 am: In Ojota, Lagos, protesters clash with a small group of anti-protest campaigners.
11:24 am: Streets in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, are partially empty.
11:19 am: Members of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria march in Jos.
11:16 am: Protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos defy a court order restricting their gathering to Alausa, but are dispersed by police with tear gas.
11:08 am: Students march in support of the President at Farmcentre in Kano State.
11:01 am: In Cross River State, protesters braved the rain along the Mary Slessor axis in Calabar.
10:52 am: Police disrupt protests in Bauchi State with tear gas near the Emir’s palace.
10:51 am: In rainy Lafia, Nasarawa State, streets are partially empty with a significant security presence but no ongoing protests.
10:42 am: Counter-protesters gather at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
10:42 am: Major roads in Umuahia, Abia State, are mostly empty with businesses closed.
10:40 am: Protesters move towards Eagle Square in Abuja, leaving the approved MKO Abiola Stadium venue.
10:35 am: Journalists are targeted by stone-throwing protesters in Gwange, Maiduguri.
10:32 am: Streets in Jalingo, Taraba, are empty, with some protesters marching to the government house.
10:25 am: The Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos is calm with no protesters but security personnel present.
10:21 am: A violent protest erupts in Gombe State, with security personnel preventing entry into the Government House.
10:16 am: In Alausa, Lagos, the shopping mall and Lekki Expressway are nearly deserted.
10:10 am: Protests occur in Maiduguri, Borno State.
10:09 am: Protests are widespread in Kano State, with marchers heading to the Government House.
10:06 am: Peaceful protests take place in Damaturu, Yobe State.
10:05 am: Kaduna remains peaceful, though youths protest against the economic situation and call for the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal.
9:15 am: The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is unusually quiet.
10:09 am: Protesters in Plateau demand good governance and unity in Nigeria.
8:25 am: Protesters at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos defy a court order, facing resistance from security agencies.
8:24 am: Additional police deployment arrives at Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
8:22 am: Protesters gather at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, with cooperation from security officials.
8:21 am: In Owerri, banks, markets, and businesses are closed, with no protesters in sight.
8:19 am: Protesters sing the old national anthem in Port Harcourt as a form of protest.
8:18 am: A group rallies in Alausa, Lagos, against violent protests, with police directing them to Gani Fawehinmi Park.
8:03 am: Owerri sees closed businesses and scant movement, with no protesters visible.
8:00 am: Police are present in Ojota, Lagos, but no protesters are in sight.
7:53 am: Stadium Roundabout in Kaduna is deserted.
7:45 am: Heavy security presence in Sokoto metropolis to ensure orderliness.
7:40 am: Protesters gather at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
7:38 am: Protesters begin to assemble in front of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park in Rivers State.
