Nigerian Activists Call for Nationwide Protest on October 1st Amid Economic Hardships
By DAYO ADESULU
NIGERIA– Organizers of a nationwide protest scheduled for October 1st have reached out to the Nigerian Police to request adequate security for their participants. The protest is aimed at opposing what they describe as “anti-poor policies” of the current administration.
Coalition of Activist Groups Unite for Change
The statement was jointly signed by the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria). During a press briefing on Thursday, Hassan Soweto, the national coordinator of ERC, urged Nigerians to participate in peaceful protests to voice their grievances.
Details of the Protest in Lagos
The Lagos protest is set to begin at the Ikeja under bridge at 7:30 AM, with participants marching through various streets to raise awareness about the current socio-economic challenges facing the nation. The organizers have formally requested Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, to ensure the safety of participants in accordance with the Police Establishment Act of 2020.
Urgent Call for Government Action
The organizers emphasized that the protest serves as a warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address their demands promptly. They stated, “If our demands are not met, more protests will follow the National Day of Survival.” The coalition expressed frustration over the government’s inaction regarding their previous demands, outlined during the “ten days of rage” protests in August.
Economic Strain on Nigerians
The groups have highlighted several economic issues, including the recent hike in fuel prices that have skyrocketed to between N900 and N1,900 per litre, a sharp increase from N200 per litre less than two years ago. They argue that this price surge has led to unbearable living conditions, increased food prices, and widespread inflation, rendering the new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 ineffective.
They pointed out that the rising costs have adversely affected businesses, leading to the exit of multinational firms and significant job losses. The coalition has declared October 1st, 2024, as the “National Day of Survival,” calling on all Nigerians—workers, students, youth, the unemployed, and traders—to unite in peaceful protests against the hardships imposed by the government’s policies.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
In addition to protesting economic conditions, the organizers are also calling for the immediate release of all #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protesters currently in custody, along with the freedom of detained journalists, whistleblowers, and activists who have faced state repression.
As the October 1st protest approaches, the coalition urges Nigerians to join them in demanding change and accountability from their government, highlighting the urgent need to address the escalating economic crises facing the nation.
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