Abuja, Nigeria – Thousands of Nigerians took to the streets of Abuja and other major cities on Thursday to protest the escalating cost of living and economic hardships. The demonstrations, marked by confrontations with security forces, underscore growing public anger over President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
Police in the capital fired tear gas to disperse crowds as protesters vented frustration over rampant inflation, soaring food prices, and fuel shortages. Similar scenes unfolded in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, where authorities maintained a heavy security presence.
Inspired by recent protests in Kenya that forced the government to backtrack on certain tax measures, Nigerian demonstrators have issued a raft of demands, including the reinstatement of fuel and electricity subsidies, free primary and secondary education, and intensified efforts to combat insecurity.
The government has defended its policies, arguing that they are necessary to stabilize the economy. Tinubu has urged citizens to be patient, promising that the reforms will yield long-term benefits. However, critics contend that the president and his administration have failed to share the burden of the economic adjustments.
The Nigerian leader signed a new minimum wage into law earlier this week in an effort to cushion the impact of the reforms on workers. Yet, with unemployment rates soaring and millions of Nigerians living in poverty, the measure is seen by many as insufficient.
