As Nigeria gears up for its Independence Day on October 1, 2024, the federal government has announced that the celebration will be a low-key affair, citing the nation’s current mood. However, as the government scales down its festivities, protests against bad governance and economic hardship are gaining momentum. Organizers of the EndBadGovernance movement have finalized plans to stage demonstrations across the country, seizing the occasion to voice their frustrations over the high cost of living and the country’s lingering socio-economic challenges.
A Nation in Economic Distress
For many Nigerians, the economic situation has become increasingly unbearable. Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the country's financial woes have worsened, particularly following his administration's decision to remove fuel subsidies. This move has triggered a sharp rise in inflation, which is putting unprecedented strain on citizens.On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, informed the media that the low-key Independence Day celebration was a reflection of the government’s understanding of the difficult economic conditions Nigerians are enduring. Akume reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration is aware of the challenges facing the populace and sympathizes with them.
Surging Food Prices
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) provides a stark picture of the current economic landscape. On Friday, September 27, 2024, the NBS reported that the prices of essential food items like beans, rice, bread, and eggs have continued to rise.According to the NBS, the price of 1 kilogram of beans surged by 271.55% from N692.95 in August 2023 to N2,574.63 in August 2024. Month-on-month, prices increased by 5.31% from July to August 2024. Similarly, local rice prices have soared by 148.41% in the same period, jumping from N737.11 to N1,831.05 per kilogram.The cost of medium-sized eggs (a dozen) has also risen sharply, increasing by 121.92% from N1,031.55 in August 2023 to N2,289.19 in August 2024. These surging prices are pushing basic food staples out of reach for many Nigerian families, making daily life increasingly difficult.To further illustrate the impact of inflation, the cost of a 50kg bag of rice has skyrocketed to nearly N100,000, making it a luxury for many households.
Rising Discontent
As these challenges persist, Nigerians are growing increasingly frustrated. The EndBadGovernance protests are gaining momentum as citizens rally against not just the high cost of living but also what they perceive as systemic inefficiencies and poor governance. Activists see the low-key Independence Day celebration as an opportunity to spotlight these issues and push for meaningful change.
