Police officers on Tuesday fired teargas at protesters during the “Fearless In October” protest over bad governance in Abuja, Nigeria.
The protesters, gathered in the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), displayed the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and held banners with slogans such as “End Bad Governance,” “Diaspora Voting,” and “End High Living Costs.” However, the police intervened and dispersed the crowd.
This protest, which took place on October 1, 2024, and was promoted on social media as “Fearless In October,” occurred two months after the August #EndBadGovernance demonstrations. Both protests share similar themes, with young Nigerians voicing their frustration and demanding the reversal of policies including the removal of petrol subsidies and the increase in electricity tariffs.
Critics have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, specifically the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which many believe are contributing to the severe inflation and rising living and energy costs.
Since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, energy costs have more than tripled. Petrol prices have surged from around N200 per litre to over N1,000, and electricity tariffs have quadrupled, heavily impacting both the manufacturing sector and Nigerian households.
During his address on the country’s 64th Independence Day, President Tinubu appealed for patience, assuring citizens that his government is working on economic reforms aimed at benefiting the average Nigerian. He acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by the reforms and reassured Nigerians that efforts are being made to reduce the soaring cost of living.