Nigerian youth are mobilising against what they see as Bola Tinubu’s poor governance. Hashtags such as #RevolutionNow are trending on social media.

Millions of Nigerians have been on the streets since yesterday. They are demanding an increase in the minimum wage. In several Nigerian cities, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to utter their dissatisfaction with poor governance and the rising cost of living. This mobilisation, which has gained momentum in recent days, reflects a deep sense of disillusionment among the population as they face mounting economic challenges and general dissatisfaction with political leaders.

Food prices have risen by more than 40%, and the president’s decision a year ago to end fuel subsidies has led to huge inflation.

The demonstrations, while largely peaceful, have attracted the attention of the authorities, who have issued recommendations to ensure the safety of those taking part. Officials urged demonstrators to express their demands without violence and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue in resolving the current crisis. In response to these gatherings, security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas to prevent any outbreak of violence and to maintain public order.

The reasons for this wave of protests are many. Nigerians face galloping inflation, which has significantly increased the cost of consumer goods and essential services. Access to basic resources such as food, water and electricity is becoming increasingly difficult for many households. This climate of frustration, coupled with a widespread perception of government incompetence, is leading citizens to demand significant change.

Civil society leaders and non-governmental organisations are playing a crucial role in organising these demonstrations, calling for greater transparency, accountability of leaders and urgent economic reforms. The demonstrators, drawn from different socio-economic groups, are also expressing their desire for better governance and more active participation in the political process.