On Tuesday, police officers fired teargas at protesters in Abuja during the “Fearless In October” demonstration against bad governance. The protest, held in the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saw demonstrators waving the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and carrying banners with inscriptions like “EndBadGovernance,” “DiasporaVoting,” and “EndHighLivingCosts.”
The protest was driven by growing dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the hike in electricity tariffs. This movement follows a similar demonstration in August, as frustrated young Nigerians continue to demand changes to the government’s economic reforms.
The “Fearless In October” protest was widely shared on social media, with demonstrators calling for a reversal of the petrol subsidy removal and a reduction in living costs. Protesters were dispersed by police shortly after the demonstration began.
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Criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies has grown, with many Nigerians blaming his decisions for the steep rise in inflation and energy costs. Since Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, petrol prices have surged from around N200 to over N1,000 per litre, while electricity tariffs have quadrupled, straining both the manufacturing sector and household incomes.
During his address marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary, President Tinubu called for patience, acknowledging the economic hardship caused by his reforms. He assured Nigerians that his administration is working on policies aimed at reducing the soaring cost of living and improving the well-being of the average citizen.
