A SECTION of Nigerians is planning nationwide protests on Tuesday, October 1, coinciding with the country’s 64th Independence Day anniversary. The protests, branded as #FearlessOctober1, aim to demand the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy and raise other public concerns amid mounting economic challenges.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the national coordinator of a Nigerian youth movement, confirmed on Sunday that the police have been notified of the planned demonstrations, as required by law. ‘We have written to the Inspector-General of Police informing him of our protest locations,’ Sanyaolu said, as reported by Nigeria’s Punch newspaper.
Planned protest locations and police response
The protests are expected to take place at key locations, including Eagle Square in Abuja and Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos. Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of officers to strategic state facilities to protect them from potential damage. He has also urged the protest organisers to reconsider their decision.
According to the organisers, their previous appeals to the government regarding economic hardships were ignored, prompting the need for this new wave of demonstrations.
Cost of living crisis sparks protests
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe cost of living crisis, exacerbated by inflation, a weak naira, and the removal of fuel subsidies. President Bola Tinubu has called for patience, assuring citizens that the government’s economic policies will eventually yield positive results.
The United Nations estimates that at least 25 million Nigerians are facing a hunger crisis, adding to the discontent. In addition to economic hardship, rising insecurity remains a major issue, with incidents of kidnap-for-ransom and insurgent attacks becoming more frequent.
Previous deadly protests
The upcoming protests follow demonstrations held in early August, during which at least 13 people lost their lives, with Amnesty International estimating the death toll to be higher than 21. Hundreds of demonstrators were arrested, many of whom are now facing court proceedings.
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, the planned protests reflect the frustration of many citizens with the current economic challenges and the government’s response.
