Nigerians took to the streets on Tuesday, marking the country’s 64th independence anniversary with widespread protests over worsening economic conditions. Demonstrators rallied against soaring inflation, rising fuel costs, and government reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, which have placed additional strain on the population. Many Nigerians are frustrated by the economic situation, which has seen living costs escalate sharply in recent months.
This protest follows a similar demonstration in August, where at least 20 protesters were killed by security forces. Although turnout on Tuesday was smaller, the frustration remained evident as demonstrators in the capital city of Abuja faced tear gas from the police. Protesters carried placards and waved Nigeria’s green-and-white flag, demanding lower fuel and food prices, as well as the release of those arrested during the previous protest.
Dubbed the “National Day of Survival,” the demonstrations reflected growing public discontent with the government’s economic policies, which many feel have disproportionately impacted the poor and unemployed. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria struggles with high levels of poverty and hunger, leading protesters to call for urgent reforms that address these basic needs.
Across various cities, including Lagos, there was a heavy security presence, as authorities sought to prevent any escalation of violence. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has been a focal point for protests in recent years, particularly during the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.
While protesters demanded immediate action, the government struck a different tone. In another part of Abuja, President Bola Tinubu and military officials attended an independence day parade. In his speech, Tinubu defended the controversial economic reforms, which include removing fuel subsidies and floating the naira currency, policies that have caused inflation to spike to its highest level in three decades. However, Tinubu emphasized that these measures were necessary for long-term economic stability, and he called for continued patience from the public.
“I know the challenges you face are tough,” Tinubu said. “But these reforms are critical for the future of our country. We are already starting to see positive results, with foreign investments growing, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Economists, however, remain concerned. Cheta Nwanze, managing partner at the Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence, pointed out that Nigeria’s challenges go beyond just economic reforms. The country’s education and healthcare systems remain severely underfunded, and without addressing these structural issues, sustainable progress will be difficult to achieve.
“Nigeria is like running on a treadmill,” Nwanze said. “We’re moving, but we’re not going anywhere. Until we ensure that our population is educated and healthy, real development will remain out of reach.”
The protests have also gained momentum on social media, where many young Nigerians, frustrated with unemployment and rising poverty, continue to voice their dissatisfaction. With the economic crisis showing no signs of immediate relief, tensions remain high, and future protests may be inevitable if conditions don’t improve.
