On Saturday, August 10th, Nigerians took to the streets for the 10th and final day of the #EndBadGovernment protests. Organizers of the demonstrations are demanding an end to hunger and better governance. This movement comes against the backdrop of high inflation, skyrocketing unemployment rates, and a bloated cost of governance that has left many disillusioned and desperate.
Nigeria’s economy faces significant challenges, with a staggering 38.19% inflation rate in June 2024—a 28-year high. This has severely diminished the average citizen’s purchasing power, making essential commodities increasingly unaffordable and leading to widespread hunger and hardship. The unemployment rate, particularly among the youth, has soared to alarming levels, further exacerbating the sense of frustration and hopelessness.
The perception of a bloated and inefficient government compounds these economic woes. Critics argue that the cost of governance remains exorbitant, with a large portion of the national budget allocated to maintaining the political elite rather than addressing the urgent needs of the populace.
President Bola Tinubu came to power in May 2023, promising major economic reforms, which he said were painful but critical. These included removing petroleum subsidies, increasing revenue, and bringing a lasting solution to the foreign exchange regime.
Following the start of the 10-day protests, President Tinubu called for the organizers to embrace dialogue. In a televised speech to Nigerians, he urged citizens to exercise patience and make sacrifices for economic recovery. However, this plea has been met with widespread anger and disbelief, as many feel that the government is not making the necessary sacrifices. The perception of government officials living in luxury while the masses suffer fuels the dissatisfaction. Critics argue that the government needs to demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform by cutting down on wasteful spending and tackling corruption.
These protests are part of a larger wave of youth-led movements across Africa. Young people are increasingly frustrated by the status quo and are seeking to hold their leaders accountable and push for change. The recent protests in Kenya and Uganda are a testament to this growing momentum.
The current wave of protests is a powerful reminder that the status quo is no longer acceptable. African youth are more aggressively demanding change, and their voices are growing louder and more insistent. Whether African governments rise to the challenge and meet these demands remains to be seen.