Nigerian minister has implored citizens to suspend their nationwide protests against the soaring cost of living and economic hardship.
The protests, which have gripped Africa's most populous nation since August 1, 2024, have already resulted in violence and loss of life.
The demonstrations were sparked by widespread discontent over rising inflation, unprecedented fuel prices, and systemic corruption.
Thousands of Nigerians, predominantly young people, have taken to the streets in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, demanding better governance and economic relief.
"Enough is enough," read one of the placards held by Ibrahim Suleiman, a trader in Lagos.
"Hunger is killing us. My children don’t go to school; we can’t afford it anymore." The protests have not been without consequence.
According to Amnesty International, at least 13 protesters have been killed by security personnel, while police reports confirm five additional deaths and numerous injuries from an explosion in Borno.
Over 300 people have been arrested, and there have been reports of looting and destruction of property in several major cities.
In response to the growing unrest, the Nigerian government has imposed 24-hour curfews in northern regions and deployed a heavy police and military presence across the country.
Despite these measures, the protests show no signs of abating, with organizers planning to continue for ten days.
The economic crisis in Nigeria has been exacerbated by recent government reforms, including the removal of a popular fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
These measures, while praised by international bodies like the IMF and World Bank, have led to severe economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.
Inflation has soared to 34%, the highest in nearly three decades, and food inflation has reached 40%.
President Bola Tinubu recently signed a bill to double the minimum wage for federal workers to 70,000 naira ($42), but this move has done little to appease the protesters.
Many Nigerians remain unemployed or self-employed, and several states have indicated they cannot afford to pay the increased wages. "We don’t need palliatives; we’re not beggars," said Samuel Ali, a 29-year-old protester in Lagos. "All we want is good governance and jobs. Allow us to work and earn money."
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