Niger Protests: Economic Hardship Sparks Nationwide Unrest

Nigerians take to the streets -  protests E.erupt over economic hardship...

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu appeals to protesters to shelve planned demonstrations, as US, UK, and Canada issue travel warnings to citizens ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests, citing potential violence.

Youths in Suleja, Niger State, have taken to the streets to protest the escalating cost of living crisis in Nigeria, just days before a planned 10-day nationwide demonstration.

Brandishing placards with messages like “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Anti-Masses Policies,” and “Hardship Is Unbearable, the protesters marched through the streets, chanting slogans against the government and demanding change.

Their placards also read “We Are Not Slaves In Our Country” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back,” highlighting the frustrations of the youth with the current economic conditions and government policies.

The Federal and State governments attempted to thwart the protest, cautioning that it could be hijacked by troublemakers and pose a threat to democracy.

In a bid to placate Niger State residents and prevent the protest, Governor Mohammed Bago introduced welfare measures last week. He announced a N20,000 wage allowance for civil servants and ordered the immediate release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at subsidized rates, aimed at alleviating the economic hardship.

“We have over 100,000 metric tonnes of food in our reserves, out of which we will be releasing 50,000 metric tonnes to be sold at 50 percent of its present price. Before the end of the year, we will slash food prices by 90 percent,” he had said at a town hall meeting.

In a gesture of appreciation for their efforts in combating banditry, insurgency, and other criminal activities, Governor Mohammed Bago announced a gift of one Prado Jeep to each head of security agency in the state.

Despite the government's attempts to appease the residents, protest organizers remain resolute, with some scheduling the start date for August 1 and others planning

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the organizers of the planned nationwide protests to reconsider their plans, assuring them that he has taken their concerns seriously and is working tirelessly to address them.

The protests, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, aim to highlight the struggles of Nigerians in accessing basic needs due to food scarcity and economic hardship. President Tinubu urged the youths to exercise patience, promising that his administration is already tackling the issues raised and will promptly respond to all their grievances.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued travel advisories to their citizens in Nigeria, warning of potential violence ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protests.

The advisories caution citizens to steer clear of areas where demonstrations are taking place, citing past clashes between security forces and protesters. The countries urged their citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid confrontations that could lead to harm.