Nigerians Protest Rising Living Costs
- Thousands of Nigerians protest in the streets over rising living costs and fuel crisis.
- The protests mark the beginning of planned 'days of rage' demonstrations in Nigeria.
- Citizens demand action to address the cost-of-living crisis in the West African country.
– Nationwide protests in Nigeria have resulted in at least seven fatalities as citizens express their frustration over escalating living costs and poor governance. Demonstrations erupted across multiple cities, with a significant police presence noted in several areas. In Minna, six individuals lost their lives when law enforcement attempted to dismantle a roadblock set up by protesters on a major expressway. Reports of police using tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital, Abuja, have drawn condemnation from human rights organizations. The protests are fueled by a combination of soaring fuel prices, high food inflation, and rising electricity tariffs, alongside a significant devaluation of the naira. This economic turmoil has plunged many Nigerians into one of the worst crises in decades. Ibrahim Suleiman, a trader in Lagos, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “A can of beans is 2,200 naira ($1.32); garri is 4,000,” reflecting the dramatic price increases of essential goods. In response to the unrest, government officials have called for patience, offering concessions while also issuing threats. The removal of a controversial fuel subsidy and the loosening of currency controls have been met with criticism, as these measures have exacerbated poverty and led to alarming rates of malnutrition and food insecurity, according to aid groups. Many citizens express that the government’s assistance programs are ineffective, demanding systemic change instead. “We want a better country – enough is enough!” one protester declared.