Further cost-of-living protests planned in Nigeria

Nigeria could see further rallies on Tuesday, as citizens protest against the cost-of-living crisis, according to reports.

Dubbed “Fearless October 1”, the demonstrations have been timed to coincide with the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, which falls on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

“Rallies will be held in the capital Abuja, in the port city of Lagos and in the provincial capitals of this West African country”, according to the organizers.

Similar protests rocked Nigeria in July and August, with demonstrators demanding the restoration of the fuel subsidy and an end to government corruption.

“Around two dozen people were killed in the crackdown by security forces,” according to activists.

On his first day in office, President Bola Tinubu ended a decades-long fuel subsidy that had kept prices low. His government also devalued the currency twice, driving up prices on almost all products.

In a speech to the nation, Mr. Tinubu defended his policy, but made no concessions to the demonstrators.