[Photo Essay]: Nigerians March Against Bad Governance, Economic Hardship on Independence Day

As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, many citizens have stormed the streets to peacefully protest bad governance and economic hardship.

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Protesters at Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.

1 Oct 2024

Nigerians in various parts of the country have taken over the streets to protest against economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and the continuous devaluation of the naira. The developments have left many struggling to make ends meet.

Despite attempts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to downplay the protests as politically motivated, the demonstrations tagged “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” have witnessed the participation of hundreds of Nigerians.

A similar protest was also held in August, as protesters said they could no longer pay their children’s school fees and afford house rents. Meanwhile, the last protest was marred by security forces’ high handedness, which led to reported deaths and injuries.

Lagos

Crowd of people at a protest with signs and megaphones.
Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters and human rights activist speaking with the press at #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest at Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Group of people demonstrating, carrying banners and a flag, with buildings in the background.
Protesters marching from Ikeja Underbridge to Allen Avenue. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
A woman holding up a plastic item on a bustling street with onlookers and a yellow bus in the background.
Iyabo Muibat, a trader in her early 50s joined a protest in Lagos. She told HumAngle that the high cost of living has forced her children out-of-school. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Group of people marching in protest with banners and signs on a city street.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters in Lagos are demanding reversal of fuel subsidies removal as they urge President Tinubu to address insecurity, high cost of living and many other inequalities in Nigeria. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
People marching with a sign reading "REVERSE ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE" on a street.
One of the protesters in Lagos carrying a placard demanding reversal of electricity tariff hike imposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The protesters blocked Allen Avenue junction in Ikeja on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Man in blue traditional attire gesturing at the camera on a busy street with people.
Murtala Dogo, a container driver said his vehicle has been seized by Lagos State Traffic Management Authorities (LASMA), hence, his reason for joining the protest. Dogo said he has five children who are out-of-school due to the high cost of living in Nigeria. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Group of individuals holding a protest banner calling for workers
Lagos protesters marching to Ojota as they demand the release of Daniel Akande, Adaramoye Micheal, Angel Innocent, Mosiu Sodiq and others arrested in Abuja during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in August. The protesters are also calling for an end to the persecution of journalists and activists in Nigeria. Date: 01/10/2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
Elderly woman wearing a palm-print shirt talks in front of a shop with household items.
A 74-year-old woman says sue has known no peace since she was born due to the economic hardship in Nigeria. She said her shop was recently demolished by Lagos State government without compensation, hence, her reason for joining the protest. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.
A group of police officers in uniform gathered on a city street, with people and vehicles around them.
Police officers with protesters at Ojota, Lagos on October 1, 2024. Photo: Adejumo Kabir/HumAngle.

Abuja

In Abuja, the main express roads that lead to eagles square have been blocked by the military and other security agencies to restrict mobility.

Nigerian police force armored vehicles and officers on a city street.
Secretariat Junction, Ministry of foreign Affairs blocked by security operatives. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
Security checkpoint with uniformed officers inspecting a car on a road.
Muhammadu Buhari express road, Federal Ministry of Finance Headquarters, Abuja. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
Urban street scene with police and vehicles, possibly during a security operation.
Ahmadu Bello way leading to Eagle square, blocked by the military. Some of the security officers who pled anonymity told HumAngle that they were deployed to prevent any form of protest or uproar. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
An elderly man wearing a striped shirt sitting in an outdoor area with a pink tiled wall and greenery.
Ibrahim Attahiru, 55, trekked from Garki village to Eagles square because there was no vehicle to convey him there. He came to protest over the high cost of living. However, he was disappointed when he saw blocked roads and a nearly empty venue. Photo:Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle
Man in a black Lakers jersey standing on an empty street with trees and traffic lights in the background.
Nura Suleiman walked several metres through a plantation to reach Eagles square because security forces were not granting civilians access through the main entrance but despite his move, he ended up outside the square. He is disappointed by the empty streets . Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.
A busy street scene with cars, people walking, and a police presence near a median strip, with a mosque in the background.
National mosque expressway leading to eagles square has been blocked by security forces as motorists are being asked to turn around. Photo: Saduwo Banyawa/HumAngle.

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