EndBadGovernance Protest Set to Continue Amid Independence Day Celebrations

The organizers of the EndBadGovernance protest have confirmed their plans to proceed with nationwide demonstrations despite the Federal Government’s (FG) decision to hold a low-key Independence Day celebration.

On Thursday, September 26, the FG announced that the October 1st celebration would be toned down due to the somber national mood, marking the second time this decision has been made since President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023.

According to Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the low-key event is meant to reflect the government’s understanding and sympathy towards Nigerians, who are facing difficult economic conditions.

However, some activists, rallying for the removal of corrupt governance in Nigeria, view this occasion as an opportunity to continue their protests against the rising cost of living and other persistent national issues.

For many Nigerians, the worsening economic conditions have become unbearable, especially following President Tinubu’s announcement to eliminate fuel subsidies in May 2023. Since then, the nation has seen a significant decline in living standards with no relief in sight.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported on Friday, September 27, that the prices of basic commodities such as bread, eggs, beans, and rice have dramatically increased. For example, the price of one kilogramme of beans rose by 271.55%, from N692.95 in August 2023 to N2,574.63 in August 2024. Similarly, the cost of medium-sized eggs (12 pieces) saw a 121.92% increase within the same period.

The FearlessInOctober demonstration, set for October 1, follows the August hunger strike, where frustrated young Nigerians took to the streets to protest their economic struggles. Unfortunately, that protest turned violent, leading to several deaths. According to Beacon Security Intelligence (BSI), thirty people lost their lives during the August 1–10 EndBadGovernance protests in seven states, with most of the fatalities reportedly caused by law enforcement and unidentified armed actors. This figure disputes the Nigeria Police Force’s claim that only seven deaths occurred.

Despite these challenges, the protest organizers insist on continuing their movement, accusing President Tinubu of ignoring their demands. In a joint statement, groups such as 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) reiterated their call for non-violent demonstrations against what they describe as anti-poor policies.

One of the key grievances highlighted is the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to fuel prices skyrocketing between N900 and N1,900 per litre in some parts of the country. Less than two years ago, a litre of fuel cost around N200. The rising fuel prices have also triggered widespread inflation, rendering the newly approved N70,000 National Minimum Wage ineffective.

Meanwhile, security agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Lagos State Police Command have issued warnings to demonstrators ahead of the Independence Day celebration. During a town hall meeting, Olarenwaju Ishola, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, urged protesters to remain peaceful and assured them that the police would protect their right to protest, while ensuring that miscreants do not hijack the movement.

Similarly, Dapo Amao, the Director of the DSS in Lagos, emphasized the importance of maintaining order during protests, recognizing the citizens' right to express their grievances.