The #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked the length and breadth of Nigeria on Thursday 1st of August 2024 mark one of the most significant moments so far in the country’s relentless struggle for better governance and improved economic stability. Frustrated with worsening economic conditions, rising corruption, and alleged failures on the part of government, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets to demand far-reaching changes and accountability from their leadership.
The protests erupted on a massive scale, where #EndBadGovernance echoed the #EndSARS movement of October 2020, an expression against police brutality that rapidly became a call for change across the board. The more immediate triggers of the protests in 2024 related to a sharp increase in fuel prices, unaffordable electricity tariffs, and hikes in tertiary education fees. These economic pressures were furthered by the lack of transparency in government spending, especially regarding the salaries and allowances of public officials.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, reacted variably to the protests. On one hand, Tinubu admitted that the people had a right to peaceful demonstrations, yet on the other hand, his regime was extremely concerned that the protests could spill over into unrest and violence. It was high-ranking officials, members of SSS and the Nigerian Army, who warned that the protests risked being overrun by criminals, leading to anarchy. This led to a build-up of heavy security in most areas where the protests took place across the country.
The demonstrations started in Abuja, the capital city, with large crowds at the Moshood Abiola Stadium and other such prominent spots as the Three-Arms Zone and Federal Secretariat. It remained unrelenting amid intense militarization and security operatives’ reported efforts to railroad protests. The clash between protesters and security operatives escalated into chaos as police used tear gas to dispel crowds in a fast deteriorating situation.
Hundreds of protesters went on a demonstration through Lagos, commercial capital of Nigeria, and rallied at the Ikeja Underbridge, chanting anti-government slogans, demanding the end to economic hardship. The demonstrations were peaceful at the start, but a huge number of police were deployed to stop any potential unrest. The protesters insisted on their demand for reforms.
Protests did not remain limited to Abuja and Lagos. Places like Kano, Jos, Gombe, and Port Harcourt witnessed impressive turnouts as well. Kano saw protests take a violent turn, with looting and cases of arson reported, consequent to which police intervened and arrested some of the protesters. At Jos and Port Harcourt, peaceful demonstrations at the outset were marked by the presence of security forces and intermittent clashes that marked the tenseness of the situation.
Key Demands of the Protesters
The protesters largely put forward a series of important demands that sought to address the major ills that plagued the economy and governance of the land. These demands included:
- Reversal of Fuel Price Hike: The protesters wanted the recent price increase in fuels to be rolled back, which further increased their cost of living index.
- Affordable Electricity Tariffs: There were demands for reverting to earlier, cheaper electricity tariffs since the new rates were unaffordable for the common man.
- Reduction of Import Duties: The protesters were protesting against the import duties, which needed to be reduced to a certain extent so as to result in less strain on the wallet of the common man.
- Transparency and Accountability: A major demand was complete transparency in governance—the publication and announcement of reduction in salaries and allowances of public servants.
- SME Support: The protesting lots called for the opening of emergency funding to support small- and medium-scale enterprises, which have critical implications for economic stability and growth.
Young Nigerians, similar to the #EndSARS movement, were at the front lines—indicative of a growing political consciousness and demanding accountability from their leaders. The protests amplified an equally clear call for fundamental reforms in governance, economic management, and social justice. The shape that politics takes in Nigeria for many years to come will greatly depend on the style adopted by the government in addressing these demands.
The #EndBadGovernance protests is gradually becoming another salient moment in the firmamental quest for better governance and economic stability for Nigeria. The protests have shown how deep the frustrations of the Nigerian citizenry are, and how much change they want. Therefore, as the nation passes through this really critical moment, what will determine its future is how the government will respond and the resilience of the people.
SOURCES
- https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/719980-endbadgovernance-protests-day-2-live-updates.html
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/gallery/2024/8/1/photos-protesters-in-nigeria-demonstrate-over-high-cost-of-living
- https://leadership.ng/endbadgovernance-protesters-defy-rain-to-march-in-rivers/
