Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a stern warning on Tuesday against planned protests inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya.
The protests, scheduled to commence on August 1, are a response to the country’s worsening economic conditions, characterized by soaring prices and widespread insecurity.
Frustrated citizens have taken to social media platforms, particularly X and Instagram, to organize peaceful demonstrations demanding government reforms.
Their demands include reversing fuel and electricity price hikes, providing free education, addressing rampant inflation, and increasing transparency in government spending.
The planned protests echo the successful demonstrations in Kenya, where young people forced the government to back down on proposed tax increases.
However, the Nigerian police chief has expressed concerns about the potential for violence, citing the deadly protests of 2020.
Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with a severe economic crisis exacerbated by the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
The resulting inflation has disproportionately affected the poor, while widespread insecurity has disrupted agriculture and contributed to food shortages.
Despite the police warning, organizers of the protests maintain their commitment to peaceful demonstrations.
The Nigerian government has taken some steps to address public discontent, including the recent passage of a bill to significantly increase the minimum wage.
However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to quell the growing unrest.
