Nigerians from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have launched a major protest aimed at ending bad governance. The demonstrators are rallying against the high cost of living, widespread hunger, rising unemployment, and inadequate access to quality education.
Our digital reporter spoke with Lagos residents participating in the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in Ojota, who shared their reasons for joining the movement.
One protester expressed deep frustration over the escalating prices, stating, “The suffering in this country is unbearable. The price of commodities is so high that we can’t afford basic necessities like pepper and rice—items we used to enjoy as children. How are we supposed to provide for our families? The government must take immediate action to reverse this trend or step aside. Leadership is not about staying in power; it’s about leading the people in the right direction. We don’t want a president who watches as prices continue to soar.”
Another participant echoed these concerns, criticizing the state of governance: “In this country, bad governance is evident; people are suffering, families are suffering, children are suffering, women are suffering, men are suffering. How can families get by when a man can’t even provide for one child? What have the children done to deserve this? Why are we suffering when there’s enough money for everyone to live well? People are jobless; those who have jobs still struggle to make ends meet. I need money to feed my family and help others, but if I don’t have money, I can’t help anyone. People are desperate, waiting for divine intervention, but we can’t just wait for Jesus or Allah to come and solve our problems.”
The protestors also highlighted the impact of inflation, which has eroded wages and benefits across all sectors. “As you see today, people are hungry, and even those who are working cannot afford basic necessities like milk. Many are struggling, barely making it, with poor wages and infrastructure. On top of that, there’s heavy taxation from the ruling parties and their agents. In many places, market women and men are being displaced from their trading spots,” said one protester.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the demonstrators have maintained a peaceful stance, exercising their democratic right to assemble and voice their grievances. They urged the government to address their demands rather than deploying anti-protesters to intimidate and attack them. The ongoing protests reflect a significant moment of civic engagement and a call for substantial reforms in governance.
17 Feared Dead as Protest Turns Violent
At least 17 people are feared dead across Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa following the #EndBadGovernance protest held on Thursday. The protest, which initially began peacefully, saw escalating violence in several cities.
In Abuja, a protester was shot dead on the Kubwa expressway after the demonstration turned violent, blocking the highway and clashing with police. The police responded with live shots, resulting in casualties. In other regions, security forces reportedly gunned down six protesters in Niger, while Borno and Kaduna also saw fatalities.
The unrest prompted businesses, banks, and markets to close for safety. In Abuja, the police used teargas and pepper spray to disperse protesters at Eagles Square, where tensions heightened as demonstrators chanted and clashed with security forces. A female protester, holding her baby, confronted the police, highlighting the severe hardship faced by many Nigerians. Despite initial peaceful intentions, the protest has been marked by significant violence and disruption.