In a demonstration of frustration, residents of one of Nigeria’s largest cities flooded the streets of Ibadan on Monday (Feb. 19), brandishing placards demanding an end to bad governance and hunger.
The crowds, chanting slogans and carrying signs reading ‘end bad government now’ and ‘end hunger’, marched through the center of Ibadan, located in the country’s west.
The protest comes in the wake of alarming government statistics indicating a steep rise in the inflation rate, reaching 29.9% in January, the highest since 1996. The surge is primarily attributed to soaring prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Sodiq, an artisan participating in the protest, expressed the prevailing sentiment of hardship: “This country is bleeding, this country is hard, this country is angry. People are suffering. No one can afford three square meals, even two square meals in our dear country today. Inflation has affected all aspects of life – from food and clothing to transportation.”
Nigeria is grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in recent years, triggered by the escalating inflation rate and monetary policies that have devalued the local currency to unprecedented lows against the dollar, sparking widespread anger and unrest.
“Everything is expensive,” laments Oilatan, a fashion designer. “There’s nothing we can do in Nigeria with ease. We just hope things get better. Even our parents are complaining, and we too are struggling. People want to pursue education, but financial constraints hinder them. We appeal to President Tinubu for assistance.”
The government under President Bola Tinubu initiated reforms last year, including the removal of gas subsidies, which further exacerbated the financial burden on millions already grappling with economic hardship, leading to diminished incomes and savings amidst a plummeting currency.
