Nigeria has been rocked by widespread protests that have severely disrupted economic activities across many states, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began peacefully, rapidly escalated into violent riots marked by looting, destruction of both public and private assets, and fatalities, particularly in the northern regions.The violence was largely triggered by a harsh response from security forces, who are reported to have killed over 30 people and injured many more.
This crackdown led to a surge in looting and destruction, with property worth billions being damaged and business activities grinding to a halt for days.The protests were fueled by the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Naira. These policies caused the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, and other essential goods to soar, plunging many Nigerians into severe hardship and hunger.
Since President Bola Tinubu introduced neo-liberal economic policies upon taking office in May 2023, economic challenges have intensified, testing the limits of even the most resilient citizens. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports that prices for food and other essentials have surged by over 250 percent in the past three months.
Unemployment stands near 40 percent, poverty at approximately 41 percent, and inflation at 34.19 percent as of June 2024.Many businesses, both local and international, are struggling to survive in this hostile economic environment, leading to job losses and a significant drop in investment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and capital inflows have plummeted by over 50 percent, exacerbating the economic strain in a country with a population exceeding 220 million.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Nigeria may no longer be Africa’s largest economy, falling to third place behind South Africa and Egypt due to a significant drop in GDP. Compounding the issue, Nigerian per capita income is now below $2000, intensifying public frustration.
The primary catalyst for recent protests is the stark contrast between widespread poverty and the extravagant lifestyles of political elites. As hunger and hardship grip the populace, revelations of excessive spending by officials have exacerbated tensions.During the protests, President Tinubu called for peace and outlined his administration’s reforms in a nationwide broadcast.
However, public skepticism persists, with many citizens demanding tangible improvements rather than government assurances.Protests in Nigeria are evolving, with a shift from traditional, leader-driven demonstrations to social media-organized movements that engage large crowds. As noted by Farook Kperogi, this marks a significant change from the past, when protests were spearheaded by established activists in Lagos.
The current wave of protests reveals a unifying force in hunger, overcoming previous religious and ethnic divisions. Efforts by traditional and religious leaders to quell the unrest have largely failed, signaling a potential shift in Nigeria’s social fabric and a decline in the influence of traditional institutions.While these developments might indicate a positive shift towards socio-political evolution, it is crucial for any change to be achieved through peaceful means.
