Police fired tear gas as millions of Nigerians took to the streets across several states, protesting against President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The demonstrations, organised under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, have led to tense stand-offs between protesters and security forces in multiple cities.
They have led to tense stand-offs between protesters and security forces in multiple cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
Reports suggest widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, despite Mr Tinubu having been in office for less than a year.
Whilst specific grievances have not been fully articulated in initial reports, the protests are likely fuelled by a combination of economic hardships, allegations of corruption, and perceived unfulfilled campaign promises.
The president, who took office in May 2023, has faced criticism for his economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies which has led to a sharp increase in living costs.
The scale of the protests echoes the #EndSARS movement of 2020, which saw Nigerian youth rally against police brutality and broader governance issues. However, the current demonstrations appear to have a wider demographic reach and a more direct focus on the federal government’s overall performance.
As the situation unfolds, there are growing calls for the government to address protesters’ concerns and ensure that law enforcement respects citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, businesses and schools in affected areas have begun to close, raising concerns about the potential economic impact if the unrest continues.
