Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have vowed to storm the streets on August 1 for a protest expected to last for 10 days to #EndBadGovernance. This planned protest is not just another demonstration; it symbolizes the public’s mounting frustration over the high cost of living, widespread hunger, high levels of unemployment, and limited access to quality education.
The most significant protests are expected to occur in Lagos and Abuja, although participation is anticipated across other states. The National Association of University Students (NAUS) had earlier warned the Federal Government to address the economic hardship facing the country or face mass protests from university students nationwide. Several political figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, have urged the youths to reconsider and give President Bola Tinubu more time.
NAUS issued a stern warning: “The federal government must take immediate and concrete steps to address these pressing issues, or we will be forced to take to the streets in protest. Students are the future leaders of this country, and we cannot afford to stay idle while our country burns.”
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo defended the administration, saying President Tinubu would need more time to solve the country’s economic challenges. “Mr. President never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman based on ‘Renewed Hope.’ Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled. Rebooting hope that has been down requires a bit of time, and we are on the right path.”
Despite these appeals, tensions are high. Some suspected thugs in Lagos have taken to the streets, warning residents not to join the August 1 protest. In a video, the hoodlums declared, “Anybody confident should come out on Thursday to protest. Are you the only one who is hungry? If you dare come out for the protest, you will be mercilessly dealt with.” However, some youths in Abuja staged a mini-protest on Tuesday to show their readiness to join the larger protest.
Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, representing one of the protest organizers, communicated the protest venues to the Nigerian Police in response to a letter from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun requesting a meeting. The venues include Eagles Square in Abuja, Alausa Park by Secretariat in Lagos, Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road in Ibadan, and Freedom Park in Osogbo. Other venues are opposite the School of Agriculture along Tafawa Balewa Road in Bauchi, opposite Wema Bank on Akpakpava Lane in Benin City, Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium in Damaturu, and Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium in Rivers State.
The Nigeria Police have vowed to act against vandals and assure protesters of their safety. In Plateau State, a suspect was arrested for allegedly inciting violence against critical state infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals ahead of the planned protest. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Suleiman Yakubu, confessed during interrogation to being the person in the viral TikTok video urging the public to attack petrol stations, security personnel, and other key assets.
Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stressed the need for protest leaders to cooperate with the police by providing contact details, locations, routes, and schedules. This information will help ensure the safety and security of all participants and the general public. On his X handle, Adejobi wrote, “We (Police) seriously need to avoid unplanned and unwarranted processions during the planned nationwide protest. The Force is open to dialogue and acknowledges that protesters can assemble at designated locations, making it easier to protect them.”
Amid the rising tensions, some groups have distanced themselves from the protest. The National Youth Council of Nigeria’s Nasarawa State chapter has announced that youths in the state will not participate. Chairman Ja’afaru Loko stated that protests do not solve problems and emphasized the importance of dialogue. “Protests, demonstrations, and uprisings have never proffered solutions to situations like this in the past. Only dialogue can help tackle the current challenges,” Loko said.
Similarly, some students in Lagos under the National Association of Nigerian Students have vowed to shun the protest, instead planning a solidarity walk in support of the state government on the same day. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also urged the protest organizers to cancel the demonstration and engage in dialogue to address the country’s challenges.
In contrast, a coalition of 37 civil society organizations has reaffirmed Nigerians’ right to peaceful protest. In a statement, the coalition emphasized that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital tool for holding leaders accountable. The statement, signed by organizations including Accountability Lab Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and Enough is Enough (EIE) Nigeria, stressed the importance of the right to protest.
The statement read, “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organizations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a pillar of democratic governance. This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.”
The coalition highlighted that protests are enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended). “Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people. History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes, and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.”
However, the coalition also emphasized that protests must be conducted peacefully and responsibly without violating others’ rights. They urged all parties involved, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and the rule of law. “Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest, or threaten public safety.”
