Hundreds protest across Nigeria against rising living costs and fuel prices

 Protesters are expressing their dissatisfaction with government reforms they claim have led to high inflation and a devaluation of the currency. Nigerian troops and police have ramped up security in Lagos and Abuja as nationwide demonstrations against the increasing cost of living have begun and are expected to last for 10 days.

Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with soaring inflation and a sharply devalued naira following reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a year ago, which were intended to boost the economy. The protest movement, known as #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, has gained traction through an online campaign among Nigerians facing 40 percent food inflation and tripled fuel prices since the reforms were enacted.

On Thursday, police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja, according to Reuters. In Kano, demonstrators attempted to set up bonfires outside the governor’s office, leading to a response of tear gas from the police, as reported by AFP.

Security forces have blocked access to Abuja’s Eagle Square, a planned site for demonstrations, while in Lagos, police and soldiers have been stationed at key locations, including the Lekki toll gate, where protests in 2020 against police brutality resulted in violence.

Adegoke Fayoade, the state police commissioner in Lagos, emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful protests and avoiding the violence that occurred in 2020.