“We’re protesting because we’re hungry” – Protesters reveal plans for August 1

Nigerian activists have announced plans for a ten-day protest beginning on August 1, aiming to address what they describe as worsening economic conditions and bad governance. The “End Bad Governance” protesters, part of the Take It Back Movement, are calling for significant reforms to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’re protesting because we’re hungry,” said Banwo Olagokun, a 36-year-old activist. “The inflation rate has made it impossible for us to afford basic necessities like food, water, clothing, and medical care.”

Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis in a generation, with annual inflation soaring to 34.19%, the highest in nearly three decades. Food prices have escalated drastically, with staples like yams costing almost four times more in Lagos compared to last year.

The Take It Back Movement is demanding that the government address the economic crisis, provide free education at all levels, and implement other reforms. These include scrapping the 1999 constitution, allowing Nigerians abroad to vote, and releasing Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu from prison. 

Juwon Sanyaolu, the 31-year-old national coordinator of the movement, cited recent protests in Kenya as inspiration. Kenyan youth successfully pressured President William Ruto to reconsider a controversial tax hike. “If Kenyans can call for the dissolution of President Ruto’s cabinet and achieve it, we believe our demands are realistic and achievable,” Sanyaolu said.

In response to the planned protests, President Bola Tinubu has appealed for patience through Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi. Tinubu urged young people to give his administration more time to fulfill its promises. Several state governors have also spoken out against the protests, warning of potential violence.

Despite these appeals, government efforts to appease the public, such as reopening applications for business grants and job opportunities, have not satisfied the protest organizers. They argue that these measures are insufficient.

Nigeria’s economic difficulties stem from several factors, including government policies that ended the fixed exchange rate for the naira, leading to a 70% devaluation and rising inflation. Additionally, the removal of fuel subsidies has increased living costs, and ongoing security issues have disrupted supply chains, further driving up prices.

The economic crisis has overshadowed President Tinubu’s first year in office, but the government insists that reforms are necessary to reduce public spending. Economist Muda Yusuf agrees that while the policies were inevitable, they were poorly planned and lacked adequate mitigating measures.

To ease the impact, the government has distributed 40,000 tonnes of grains from the national reserve and provided temporary cash payments to the poorest citizens. However, many businesses, like those of caterer Abosede Ibikunle in Lagos, continue to struggle as demand for services declines.

The protest organizers remain undeterred by government warnings of potential violence and are determined to make their voices heard. “Nigerians are resilient,” Sanyaolu declared. “We have nothing to lose but our chains.”