Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a rich history of protests that have shaped its political, social, and economic landscape. From the colonial era to the present day, Nigerians have consistently taken to the streets to demand justice, equality, and better living conditions.
Daily News 24 in this article delves into the historical context of protests in Nigeria, highlighting key movements and the most recent protests in August 2024 against hunger.
Colonial Era Protests
Protests in Nigeria date back to the colonial era when Nigerians began to resist British rule and exploitation. One of the earliest significant protests was the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929.
Women from the southeastern region of Nigeria organized a series of protests against the British colonial administration’s imposition of taxes.
This movement was pivotal in challenging colonial policies and asserting the rights of Nigerian women.
Post-Independence Protests
After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria faced numerous challenges, including political instability, corruption, and economic hardship. The post-independence era saw a series of protests aimed at addressing these issues.
In 1978, students across Nigeria protested against the increase in tuition fees, leading to the “Ali Must Go” protests. These demonstrations were named after the then-Federal Commissioner of Education, Colonel Ahmadu Ali.
The protests resulted in violent clashes with security forces, highlighting the students’ frustration with the government’s policies.
The June 12 Protests
One of the most significant protests in Nigeria’s history occurred in 1993, following the annulment of the presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. The election, held on June 12, 1993, was won by Moshood Abiola. However, the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, sparking nationwide protests and civil unrest.
The June 12 protests were marked by widespread demonstrations, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience. The protests continued until 1999, when Nigeria transitioned to civilian rule, and June 12 was eventually recognized as Democracy Day in honor of the pro-democracy movement.
The Occupy Nigeria Movement
In January 2012, Nigerians once again took to the streets in what became known as the Occupy Nigeria movement. The protests were triggered by the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, leading to a sharp increase in fuel prices.
The movement saw millions of Nigerians participating in nationwide strikes, rallies, and social media campaigns.
Occupy Nigeria was significant for its scale and the use of social media to mobilize and coordinate protests. It demonstrated the power of collective action in challenging government policies and advocating for the rights of citizens.
End SARS Protests
The End SARS movement, which began in October 2020, was one of the largest and most impactful protests in recent Nigerian history. The protests were against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian police known for its brutality and human rights abuses.
The movement gained international attention, with protests spreading across major cities in Nigeria and solidarity demonstrations held worldwide. Despite the government’s dissolution of SARS, protesters continued to demand comprehensive police reforms and an end to systemic corruption.
August 2024 Protests Against Hunger
The most recent wave of protests in Nigeria occurred in August 2024, driven by widespread hunger and economic hardship. Rising food prices, unemployment, and inflation have exacerbated the living conditions of many Nigerians, prompting them to demand immediate government action.
Protesters took to the streets in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, holding placards and chanting slogans that highlighted the urgent need for food security and economic reforms. The protests were organized by various civil society groups, labor unions, and student organizations, reflecting the widespread frustration with the government’s handling of the economy.
In response to the protests, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the severity of the economic crisis and pledged to implement measures to alleviate hunger and improve living conditions. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as Nigerians continue to demand tangible improvements in their daily lives.
