The prices of daily necessities have increased. As people struggle to cope with the high cost of living, protests have erupted across Nigeria. In the meantime, the local governments of the states have issued a 24-hour curfew in several states in the northern part of the country. News, BBC.
According to reports, the local government on Friday (August 2) imposed a 24-hour curfew across Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and Katsina states. The government has ordered millions of residents there not to leave their homes and not join the protests.
Meanwhile, authorities said miscreants are looting and vandalizing state property. Therefore curfew has been imposed. The largest demonstration took place in the northern city of Kano on the first day of the protests. Police fired tear shells and bullets and sprayed hot water in an attempt to disperse the thousands of protesters. At least three people were killed and many injured in the firing.
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The protests were organized across Nigeria using social media. Activists in Nigeria called the protests inspired by the success of the Kenyan protesters. Protesters in Kenya recently forced the government to back down from plans to raise taxes.
During his inauguration speech in May 2023, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies, effective immediately. Although this step was taken with the aim of reducing government expenditure, it increased the price of fuel, which has an impact on other products including food.
It should be noted that many people are angry with the government due to the increase in the cost of living. In addition to lowering fuel prices, the protesters have been demanding sweeping reforms to the country’s judicial and electoral systems.
