In a show of widespread discontent, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in major cities including Abuja and Kano, protesting against what is considered the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
The demonstrations, sparked by soaring inflation and a sharply devalued currency, were met with a strong police response, including the use of tear gas.
The protests were partly triggered by the government’s decision to end a costly fuel subsidy and liberalize the naira, which has led to significant economic strain.
The movement, branded #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, gained momentum through an online campaign and has drawn comparisons to recent protests in Kenya.
In Kano, protesters set tires ablaze near the state governor’s office, prompting police to disperse the crowd with tear gas.
Reports from the scene indicated that demonstrators also targeted a digital center of the Nigeria Communications Commission, leading to further clashes and arrests.
Similar scenes unfolded in the capital, Abuja, where security forces blocked roads leading to Eagle Square, a key protest site. Tear gas and barricades were used to prevent protesters from reaching the area.
Demonstrations were also reported in Lagos, where about 1,000 people marched peacefully, and in other regions including Maiduguri and Bauchi.
Protesters voiced their frustrations over the soaring cost of living, with food inflation at 40% and fuel prices tripling over the past year. Many blamed the government for their economic hardships, calling for immediate measures to alleviate the burden on ordinary citizens.
The protests reflect a broader sense of disillusionment with the current administration and its economic policies, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to Nigeria’s escalating economic crisis.