On August 1, 2024, Nigeria witnessed a significant protest movement across several major cities, with a strong security presence ensuring order. Citizens gathered in Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna to express their dissatisfaction with the current economic conditions and demand urgent action from the government.
In Abuja, the protests were particularly visible at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where demonstrators carried placards with powerful messages like “End Bad Governance,” “Enough is Enough,” “End Hunger,” and “Nigerians Are Ready for New Naija.” The protesters’ primary concerns included the skyrocketing food prices, which had reached an alarming inflation rate of 40.87% as of June 2024, and recent hikes in electricity tariffs. Their demands also extended to various other issues affecting daily life.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju addressed the crowd, noting that despite the large turnout, the protests had remained peaceful. His comments were echoed by Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga, who highlighted that the protesters’ grievances mirrored the widespread suffering felt by many Nigerians. Itodo emphasized that the protest symbolized a collective cry for relief from economic difficulties and a call for the government to address these urgent issues with the seriousness they deserve.
In contrast, other regions, especially in the southeast like Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia states, saw minimal to no protest activity. According to Channels TV reports, these areas did not experience the same level of public demonstration as the major cities.
The protests were marked by a noticeable reduction in vehicular movement across the country, reflecting the impact of the demonstrations on daily life. The current wave of protests carries a significant resonance with the #EndSARS protests of October 2020, which also began as peaceful demonstrations but later resulted in widespread unrest and property damage.
Overall, the August 2024 protests highlight the growing frustration among Nigerians over economic hardships and the need for substantial reforms.
