Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has come under intense scrutiny as Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, grapples with severe economic challenges. Despite being in office for over a year, Tinubu’s reforms have plunged the country into a deeper crisis marked by runaway inflation and a sharply devalued naira.
The country is bracing for widespread protests fueled by the unbearable cost of living. Authorities are already on high alert, fearing a replication of the violent protests in Kenya that recently compelled its government to rescind new tax measures. The protest movement in Nigeria, dubbed #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, has rapidly gained traction on social media as Nigerians voice their frustration over skyrocketing food inflation, currently at a staggering 40%, and fuel prices that have tripled under Tinubu’s reforms.
On the eve of these anticipated protests in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, government officials have been scrambling to dissuade young activists from taking to the streets, urging patience for Tinubu’s policies to show results. However, the depth of popular support for the protests remains uncertain. Many Nigerians are overwhelmed by the soaring costs of basic necessities and are increasingly concerned about the nation’s security.
Despite attempts by authorities to limit the scope of protests through legal challenges, civil society groups leading the movement remain resolute. “We believe that this protest must go on regardless of the threat and intimidation,” the coalition of protest leaders declared in a recent statement, underscoring their commitment to proceed with demonstrations despite governmental pressure to confine them to designated public parks rather than allow marches through the streets.
In response to mounting discontent, the Tinubu administration has outlined measures intended to ease economic hardship, such as raising minimum wages, distributing grain supplies to states, and providing targeted assistance to the most vulnerable. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism by the public.
“The government of Tinubu recognizes the right to peaceful protest, but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords,” stated George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appealing to Nigerians to embrace peace, dialogue, and collaboration. Despite these assurances, memories of the 2020 protests against the SARS anti-robbery squad remain fresh in the minds of many. That movement, initially sparked by a call to end police brutality, culminated in one of Nigeria’s largest protests in recent history but tragically ended in violence. Rights groups have accused the military of firing on peaceful protesters, a charge the military denies, claiming only blanks were used.
The current protests in Nigeria unfold against the backdrop of political turmoil in Kenya, where President William Ruto has been forced to rescind unpopular tax hikes following weeks of intense anti-government demonstrations, marking the most significant crisis of his presidency. The parallels between the two nations underscore the precarious balance that African leaders must maintain between implementing reforms and maintaining public trust.
The situation in Nigeria highlights the failure of Tinubu’s administration to effectively communicate and implement policies that address the urgent economic needs of its citizens. As tensions rise, the administration’s capacity to navigate this turbulent period and regain public confidence remains in doubt.
Abuja, FCT
12:03 – Nigeria Police shooting tear gas on innocent civilians that are protesting. Tinubu’s FG is actively inciting violence into a peaceful protest
