Nigerian Protests Escalate Against Rising Cost of Living

Protests erupted across Nigeria on Thursday as citizens rallied against the rising cost of living and governance issues. Eyewitnesses reported police firing tear gas in Abuja to disperse crowds, while armed security was deployed in Lagos. The demonstrations were partly inspired by recent protests in Kenya and have spurred demands for the reinstatement of subsidies and measures against insecurity.

Protests erupted across Nigeria on Thursday as thousands of citizens rallied against the rising cost of living and governance issues, according to eyewitness accounts. In Abuja, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Armed security personnel were deployed in Lagos, where protesters demonstrated near government locations, leading to the closure of some shopping malls. The rallies were partly inspired by protests in Kenya that resulted in the government scrapping planned tax increases.

Nigerian demonstrators are demanding the reinstatement of subsidies for petrol and electricity, free primary and secondary education, and enhanced security measures. Despite President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the country, citizens argue that the measures have caused hardship, with inflation surpassing 34% in June.