President Tinubu Appeals for Protest Suspension Amid Cost of Living Crisis

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has called for a suspension of protests against the rising cost of living to initiate dialogue. Amnesty International reported 13 fatalities, though police claimed seven deaths. Tinubu defended his reform policies, emphasizing increased government revenues and infrastructure investments, while urging an end to violence.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu called on Sunday for a suspension of protests against a cost of living crisis, saying this would create an opportunity for dialogue, his first public comments since frustrated citizens took to the streets last week.

Amnesty International has reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests on Thursday. Police, however, denied using excessive force and stated that seven fatalities occurred, including four from an explosive device during a march in northeast Borno state, two who were hit by a car, and another shot by a guard when protesters looted a shop. In a televised broadcast, Tinubu called for an end to violence in several states since the protests began, affirming his openness to dialogue.

"My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens," he said. Nigerians have been mobilising online to organise protests against economic hardship and bad governance and have called for a cut in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among several demands.

Tinubu, in office since May 2023, defended his economic reforms, which have included phasing out petrol and electricity subsidies and devaluing the naira, as necessary steps to counteract years of economic mismanagement. He noted that government revenues more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year, with the proportion of revenue allocated to debt servicing dropping to 68% from 97% before he assumed office.

The government is also increasing spending on infrastructure projects, has started a loan scheme for university students, and is building thousands of housing units nationwide. "But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart," Tinubu asserted. ($1 = 1,610.9000 naira)

(Writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe Editing by Frances Kerry)