Nigeria, a country abundant in resources and potential, faces formidable challenges that have hindered its development and eroded the hopes of its people. From deeply entrenched corruption to escalating insecurity and economic hardship, the country stands at a pivotal juncture where the voices of its citizens are clamoring for attention amidst mounting discontent and a desire for change. There is need to put these crisis
Nigeria’s narrative is one of stark disparities. On the one hand, it boasts Africa’s largest economy and plays a critical role in regional affairs; on the other, it grapples with staggering poverty levels, high unemployment, relentless inflation, and pervasive insecurity. The nation’s wealth, primarily derived from oil revenues, has not resulted in equitable development for its population. Instead, it has been marred by entrenched corruption and impunity among its political elite.
Corruption, a destructive force eroding the fabric of Nigerian society, manifests in various forms—from the misappropriation of public funds to favoritism and bribery. It undermines public trust in governmental institutions and perpetuates a cycle of poverty by diverting resources away from essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure to private pockets.
Throughout Nigeria’s history, there has been a complex dynamic between its citizens and those in power. From the colonial era, where nationalist movements sought independence, to contemporary times marked by protests and strikes, Nigerians have demonstrated a combination of resilience and frustration in their pursuit of accountable governance.
In the 1970s, the “Ali Must Go” protests emerged as a response to dissatisfaction with the state of education, while the 2012 subsidy protests were a reaction to the increase in fuel prices. Both instances witnessed Nigerians taking to the streets in large numbers to demand change. The #EndSARS protests in 2020, which originated as a movement against police brutality, quickly expanded into a broader call for an end to systemic corruption and governance failures, capturing global attention and reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among the youth.
Political leaders in Nigeria have effectively exploited the nation’s ethnic, religious, and economic diversity to maintain power and perpetuate corruption. By promoting division and leveraging identity politics, they have deflected attention from their own shortcomings and manipulated public sentiment to their advantage. The dearth of quality education exacerbates these divisions, rendering many individuals susceptible to misinformation and manipulation.
Insecurity, notably the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and the surge in kidnappings and banditry across the nation, further undermines community stability and erodes trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. Instead of addressing the root causes, successive administrations have mostly relied on short-term military solutions that fail to resolve underlying grievances or foster lasting peace.
Nigeria’s democratic journey has been marred by allegations of electoral fraud and governance failures, which erode public confidence in both the electoral process and the promise of democracy itself. The 2003 elections under President Obasanjo were widely criticized for irregularities, setting a precedent for subsequent contested elections. In 2007, President Umaru Yar’Adua acknowledged his party’s involvement in rigging, further alienating the electorate.
President Jonathan’s administration was marked by significant shortcomings in governance and security strategy, contributing to widespread insecurity and humanitarian crises in affected regions. These instances highlighted the disconnect between political leadership and the pressing needs of the Nigerian people.
In 2015, Nigerians embraced the promise of political change with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari and his APC. Buhari, a former military dictator, campaigned on a platform of addressing corruption, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth. Despite his administration’s efforts, it has been subject to criticism for not fulfilling these pledges.
The government’s handling of security issues, including the persistence of Boko Haram and the emergence of banditry and kidnapping as profitable ventures, has brought to light weaknesses in the national security strategy. Economic policies, such as the controversial decision to redesign the Naira and close borders, have contributed to increased poverty and public discontent.
The decision to remove fuel subsidies, initiated by Tinubu on the day he was sworn-in, was initially presented as a necessary economic reform aimed at reducing government expenditures, curbing corruption and promoting private sector engagement in the oil sector. However, the abrupt removal of subsidies led to a significant increase in fuel prices, resulting in immediate and far-reaching consequences for the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians. The measure, intended to streamline government finances, inadvertently exacerbated economic hardship and forced many into poverty.
The resultant hunger and deprivation, since this insensitive decision, reached levels not seen since the Takojulo or Yar Gusau that simultaneously raged with the Great Depression of the 1930s. Reports of individuals succumbing to death due to hunger-related causes and widespread mental health challenges become common. The fallout from Tinubu’s decision underscored the delicate socio-economic situation and emphasized the urgent need for policies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians just as the constitution guarantees.
Considering these challenges, Nigerian youth have emerged as a powerful force for change, organizing peaceful protests to demand accountability, justice, and a better future. The #EndSARS protests in 2020, largely driven by young people through social media and grassroots mobilization, exemplified the frustrations with police brutality, systemic corruption, and the perceived shortcomings of political leadership. Although these protests were initially peaceful, they were soon hijacked by certain elements, and it turned out violently especially in Lagos.
Some youths have started mobilizing for a mega nationwide protest the unbearable conditions the ordinary Nigerians have found themselves. The protest, slated for the end of July 2024, has populated the public opinion with mixed reaction.
While these movements have faced opposition from religious leaders and political figures who often use religious affiliations to mobilize support and quell dissent, Nigerian youth have continued to advocate for a more just and equitable society, refusing to be silenced in their pursuit of positive change. The waves of change sweeping across the globe, from the Arab Spring to protests in Kenya and military-peoples’ revolutions in some West African countries, serve as powerful reminders to Nigerian leaders of the consequences of ignoring the grievances of their people. These movements underscore the universal desire for accountable governance, economic justice, and respect for human rights.
Nigeria’s leaders would do well to heed these lessons, as each wave of protests and discontent signals a growing demand for transparency, inclusivity, and genuine reform. The youth-led movements reflect a generational shift towards activism and a rejection of the status quo that has failed to deliver meaningful progress for all Nigerians.
Amidst the threat of arrests, coercion, and attempts to suppress free expression, Nigeria’s impoverished and youthful populations are exhorted to persevere. For many years, they have endured untold hardship and oppression, but this has only served to strengthen their determination to fight for a brighter future. The time for transformation has arrived, and they must continue to move ahead to protest, peacefully but with unwavering resolve, until their voices are heard and their demands for fairness and equality are met.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The citizens of Nigeria, particularly its extraordinary youth, find themselves at a critical juncture in history—a moment that calls for valor, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to building a nation in which every voice is heard, and every life is valued. The challenges of today are not in vain but are the seeds of a tomorrow in which Nigeria realizes its potential as a beacon of democracy and prosperity in Africa.
