Clothing seller Michael Nwankwo is still facing the fallout from the recent protests in Nigeria, where hundreds of thousands demonstrated against inflation and economic hardship, significantly impacting his business.
According to Amnesty International, at least 22 people lost their lives in the protests that began last Thursday.
The unrest continued through the weekend, subdued by a strong response from security forces.
In Lagos, rallies remained mostly peaceful. However, businesses shut down as a precaution, keeping customers away.
“Closing my shop means losing potential sales,” Nwankwo lamented from his Marina market store.
Doris Nkiriuka Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, reported that the unrest costs the economy over 500 billion naira ($324.68 million) daily, significantly affecting national productivity.
Adewale Oyerinde, from the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association, stated the protests’ long-term effects are profound.
“Halted production and damage require costly repairs,” he said.
