By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
On a recent Thursday morning, Samuel Adeleke, a 20 year old law student from the University of Lagos, joined a large group of Nigerians protesting in Ikeja, Lagos' commercial hub. The protesters carried signs and chanted slogans against the high cost of food and living, urging others to join their cause. Their numbers swelled to thousands by the time they reached Ojota, 7.5 km away, marking the beginning of a planned 10 day protest under the banner.
The movement has seen tens of thousands across Nigeria demand action against bad governance, corruption, and soaring living costs, presenting 19 specific demands. Some regions, like Kano and Yobe, have seen curfews imposed due to unrest, while in Abuja, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, resulting in 13 deaths and over 300 arrests, according to Amnesty International.
Adeleke protested policies threatening his education, criticizing the government's removal of free education, which has led to increased tuition fees and restrictions on student businesses. He expressed concern over the economic hardships exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of a longstanding fuel subsidy, which has led to skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation.
Nigeria faces severe economic challenges, with food inflation at 40%, rising unemployment, and widespread insecurity, including kidnappings and terrorism. Protester Jibril Suleiman highlighted the dire situation in Borno State, where violence and economic hardship have forced many into desperate measures.
The removal of an electricity subsidy further strained universities, some of which have been disconnected from the national grid, leaving students to study in the dark. Protests have erupted at various universities, with students decrying high costs and inadequate support from the government’s education loan scheme. Overall, the protests reflect deep seated frustrations among Nigerians over economic mismanagement and systemic corruption, with citizens calling for significant reforms to improve their living conditions.
