A large group of youths in Niger State took to the streets to protest against the ongoing cost of living crisis in Nigeria. Carrying placards with messages like “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Anti-Masses Policies,” “We Are Not Slaves In Our Country,” “Hardship Is Unbearable,” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back,” they expressed their frustrations and chanted anti-government songs.

The protestors were seen on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway but were unwilling to speak to the press. Both the Federal and State governments have tried to stop the protest, warning it could be taken over by troublemakers.

Last week, Governor Mohammed Bago attempted to prevent the protest by offering welfare packages to the residents of Niger. He announced a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants and ordered the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at half price to ease economic hardship.

At a townhall meeting, the governor revealed plans to slash food prices by 90% before the year ends, saying, “We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves, out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50% of its present price.”

Additionally, to appreciate the efforts of security personnel in combating criminal activities, the governor gifted a Prado Jeep to each head of security agency in the state.