Citing possible risks to national stability, the federal government of Nigeria has issued a warning against the scheduled nationwide demonstration that is scheduled for next month. To discuss the matter, Ministers were called to a meeting by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. While the South-east Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders expressed worries about potential criminal hijacking of the demonstrations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stressed that it is not participating in organizing the protest.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), however, backed the demonstration in accordance with its constitutional rights. Referencing violent protests in the past that occurred in Bangladesh and Kenya, the Minister of Information, Muhammad Idris, emphasized the government’s concerns. In addition to announcing new measures, such as stipends for recent graduates and the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to lower transportation costs, Idris reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling the economic difficulties that Nigerians confront.
Terrible econ circumstances is now worse due to recent gov’t initiatives.
Protests were discouraged in favour of peaceful interaction and conversation by a number of organizations and authorities, such as the Charismatic Bishops Conference, governors, and non-governmental organizations. The National Security Adviser convened with ministries and other relevant parties to deliberate on a family-focused approach that prioritizes patience and national cohesion. The terrible economic circumstances that have gotten worse as a result of recent government initiatives are the main cause of the turmoil in Nigeria. Transportation and the cost of goods have been impacted by the sharp rise in gas prices caused by the elimination of fuel subsidies.
With Food Prices rising by more than 20% annually, this policy—which was intended to cut Government Spending and promote Investment in domestic refining capacity—has unintentionally raised inflation. Furthermore, the depreciation of the Naira has decreased the inhabitants’ purchasing power, worsening their financial situation. Nigerians from the general public have expressed their annoyance and the challenges they encounter on a daily basis. For example, Amaka Johnson, a Teacher in Lagos, stated that she is currently forced to reduce necessary expenses because her monthly wage hardly pays for the minimal needs.
Attempts at conversation have been met with obstacles.
Musa Ahmed, an Abuja taxi driver, revealed that his Revenue has decreased as a result of rising gasoline costs since fewer people can now afford to hire him. Several significant events are included in the timeline that precedes the scheduled protest. President Bola Tinubu stated in May 2023 that the fuel subsidy would be eliminated. This announcement was met with instant and widespread dissatisfaction as well as intermittent protests. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) were among the Civil Society organizations that discussed the best course of action over the months of June and July. Ultimately, the decision was made to stage a national demonstration in August 2024.
Initially, a biased perspective was presented, highlighting the government’s position and cautions against the protest. On the other hand, the Protest organizers contend that the government’s inaction on the deteriorating economic conditions calls for this kind of protest. They point out that attempts at conversation have been met with obstacles and insufficient action; as a result, they argue that public demonstrations are both a constitutional right and a last alternative for bringing attention to the predicament of average Nigerians.
Related Article: Rising Costs, Protests Worry Government
Additionally, the seriousness of the crisis is highlighted by economic data: In June 2023, Nigeria experienced an Inflation rate of 18.75%, with food inflation coming in at 24.35%. With one of the worst Unemployment rates in the world, 33.3%, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction and a pressing need for economic changes. The article would present a more thorough and impartial analysis of the economic policies producing unrest, the viewpoints of common people, a concise chronology of events, and pertinent economic facts to put the complaints in context if these further elements were included.