[Photo Essay]: Nigerians March Against Bad Governance, Economic Hardship on Independence Day
News Desk
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Nigerians in various parts of the country have taken over the streets to protest against economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and the continuous devaluation of the naira. The developments have left many struggling to make ends meet.
Despite attempts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to downplay the protests as politically motivated, the demonstrations tagged “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” have witnessed the participation of hundreds of Nigerians.
A similar protest was also held in August, as protesters said they could no longer pay their children’s school fees and afford house rents. Meanwhile, the last protest was marred by security forces’ high handedness, which led to reported deaths and injuries.
Lagos
Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist speaking with the press at #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest at Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Protesters marching from Ikeja Underbridge to Allen Avenue. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Iyabo Muibat, a trader in her early 50s joined a protest in Lagos. She told HumAngle that the high cost of living has forced her children out-of-school. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters in Lagos are demanding reversal of fuel subsidies removal as they urge President Tinubu to address insecurity, high cost of living and many other inequalities in Nigeria. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
One of the protesters in Lagos carrying a placard demanding reversal of electricity tariff hike imposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The protesters blocked Allen Avenue junction in Ikeja on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Murtala Dogo, a container driver said his vehicle has been seized by Lagos State Traffic Management Authorities (LASMA), hence, his reason for joining the protest. Dogo said he has five children who are out-of-school due to the high cost of living in Nigeria. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Lagos protesters marching to Ojota as they demand the release of Daniel Akande, Adaramoye Micheal, Angel Innocent, Mosiu Sodiq and others arrested in Abuja during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in August. The protesters are also calling for an end to the persecution of journalists and activists in Nigeria. Date: 01/10/2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
A 74-year-old woman says sue has known no peace since she was born due to the economic hardship in Nigeria. She said her shop was recently demolished by Lagos State government without compensation, hence, her reason for joining the protest. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Police officers with protesters at Ojota, Lagos on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Abuja
In Abuja, the main express roads that lead to eagles square have been blocked by the military and other security agencies to restrict mobility.
Secretariat Junction, Ministry of foreign Affairs blocked by security operatives. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.Muhammadu Buhari express road, Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters, Abuja. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
Ahmadu Bello way leading to Eagle square, blocked by the military. Some of the security officers who pled anonymity told HumAngle that they were deployed to prevent any form of protest or uproar. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
Ibrahim Attahiru, 55, trekked from Garki village to Eagles square because there was no vehicle to convey him there. He came to protest over the high cost of living. However, he was disappointed when he saw blocked roads and a nearly empty venue. Photo:Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle
Nura Suleiman walked several metres through a plantation to reach Eagles square because security forces were not granting civilians access through the main entrance but despite his move, he ended up outside the square. He is disappointed by the empty streets . Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
National mosque expressway leading to eagles square has been blocked by security forces as motorists are being asked to turn around. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
Nigerians have taken to the streets across the country to protest economic hardships resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies and the continuous devaluation of the naira, which has made life increasingly difficult. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has attempted to downplay the protests as politically motivated, but the demonstrations under the hashtag “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” have seen widespread participation, with citizens demanding the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, addressing high living costs, and other inequalities in the country.
In Lagos, protesters, including traders and drivers impacted by economic hardship, marched from Ikeja Underbridge to Allen Avenue and Ojota, blocking roads and calling for action on issues such as the rising electricity tariffs and the persecution of journalists and activists. Security forces have responded with heavy-handed tactics, resulting in reported deaths and injuries.
In Abuja, major express roads leading to Eagles Square were blocked by military and security forces to prevent mobility and protests. Protesters, facing blocked roads and heavy security presence, expressed their disappointment and frustration over the restricted access and an empty venue, underscoring the struggle against economic adversity.
