Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets of the southern city of Ibadan on Monday, voicing their anger over the country’s worsening economic crisis and skyrocketing food prices. This follows similar protests in northern cities earlier this month, highlighting the nationwide discontent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
Frustrated demonstrators, watched by armed security forces, chanted slogans against the government and carried signs demanding an end to food scarcity, hardship, and poor governance. “This hunger is too much,” lamented 26-year-old student Olaide Alamu. “It’s never been this bad. We are starving. Tinubu promised to improve things, but look at us now.”
Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and currency controls last year has backfired spectacularly, tripling petrol prices and weakening the naira, leading to a surge in living costs. Despite repeated calls for patience while reforms take effect, the impact on ordinary Nigerians has been devastating. Inflation hit nearly 30% in January, forcing many to forgo basic necessities like meat, eggs, and milk.
The situation is even more dire in the north, where people are skipping meals and resorting to unconventional sources of food. Videos on social media show women digging up anthills for insect grains to feed their children. The influential Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, recently warned of widespread “economic hardships, hunger, and starvation,” urging the president to take immediate action.
Joining the Ibadan protest, 38-year-old business owner Titilayo Olusegun delivered a stark message: “If the president can’t solve our problems, he should step down. We are hungry, can’t afford school fees or rent, and barely have enough to eat. The pain is unbearable.”
As Nigerians grapple with mounting economic hardship, the protests highlight the growing pressure on President Tinubu to address the crisis and deliver on his promises of a better future. Whether he can implement effective solutions that alleviate the suffering and restore public trust remains to be seen.
