Nigerian Economy Suffers N500bn Loss Due to 'End Bad Governance' Protest - Trade Minister

The recent "End Bad Governance in Nigeria" protest has inflicted an economic blow, costing the nation an estimated N500 billion, according to Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

The protest, which aimed to address widespread dissatisfaction with governance, resulted in substantial financial losses and social upheaval.

In a statement shared on her official X handle, Dr. Anite detailed the extensive damages caused by the protests. "

Around N52 billion worth of goods were destroyed, and the death toll from the protest has reached 21," she lamented.

She further emphasized the adverse impact on businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, stating, "The looting, resulting in billions lost, is a severe setback for our economy and entrepreneurs."

The minister's comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their frustration and anger towards the government.

One anonymous commenter questioned the government's priorities, asking, "Can you also do your calculations and tell us how much Nigerians have lost buying food at high cost? How much Nigerians have lost paying high cost for transportation?"

Another user criticized the government's response to the protests, suggesting that more effective and peaceful methods of protest should be employed.

"If you want to protest for the government to hear you well and respond positively, you block all the airports, both international and local, go to the government houses and Houses of Parliaments and block them too," the user advised.

Dr. Anite called for a more peaceful and constructive dialogue to address the issues raised by the protesters.

"Let’s honor those we’ve lost by striving for more peaceful and constructive dialogue," she urged.