On Friday, for the second consecutive day, demonstrators took to the streets in Nigeria’s major cities as the citizens of Africa’s most populous nation protested against a severe cost of living crisis.
In response to the unrest, President Bola Tinubu made a televised address on Sunday morning, calling for an end to the protests and appealing for an end to “bloodshed.” He emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to foster a future where all Nigerians can live with “dignity and prosperity.”
Protesters have been organizing online, demanding reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs among other issues.
In defense of his economic policies, Tinubu highlighted the government’s efforts to lay a solid foundation for future prosperity, asserting that significant progress has been made in rebuilding the economy.
According to police reports, a total of 681 individuals were arrested over the two days of demonstrations, with charges including armed robbery, arson, disorderly conduct, and damage to public and private property. At least 17 fatalities have been reported as a result of the unrest.
Since assuming office in May, Tinubu has implemented major reforms, including cutting costly petrol and power subsidies and devaluing the naira twice in a year to address the disparity between official and parallel market exchange rates.
