Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Sunday called for a halt to ongoing protests against the country’s cost of living crisis, urging citizens to pause demonstrations in favor of dialogue. This marked Tinubu’s first public address since the widespread protests began last week, sparked by mounting frustration over economic hardship.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests last Thursday. However, police disputed claims of excessive force, stating that seven people had died as of Saturday. According to the police, four were killed by an explosive device during a march in Borno state, two were struck by a vehicle, and another was shot by a guard when protesters attempted to loot a shop.
In a televised address, President Tinubu condemned the violence that has erupted across several states since the protests began. He emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue with the protesters.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” Tinubu said.
The protests have been largely organized online, with Nigerians rallying against economic hardship and poor governance. Among their demands are reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, reflecting the growing discontent over the rising cost of living.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has implemented several economic reforms, including the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. He defended these measures as necessary steps to reverse years of economic mismanagement, noting that government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year. Additionally, the proportion of revenue allocated to debt servicing has dropped from 97 percent before he assumed office to 68 percent.
Tinubu also highlighted the government’s increased spending on infrastructure projects, the launch of a loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” Tinubu urged, calling for unity and peaceful resolution to the nation’s challenges.
