Major cities across Nigeria have come to a standstill as the #EndBadGovernance protests sweep the nation. From Abuja to Lagos, Port Harcourt to Kaduna, citizens have taken to the streets to voice their frustrations over poor living conditions and perceived government failings.
The usually bustling metropolises have transformed into ghost towns, with businesses shuttered and roads eerily empty.
In Kaduna, the central business district along Ahmadu Bello Way lies deserted, while Lagos sees determined protesters marching from Ikeja to Alausa despite official orders against street demonstrations.
Security forces have been deployed in significant numbers, particularly in northern cities like Sokoto, Damaturu and Bauchi. In Abuja, approximately 50 protesters, including members of the “Enough Is Enough” group, have gathered at the MKO Abiola Stadium entrance under the watchful eye of police and military personnel.
The protests come in the wake of mounting economic pressures and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. In Kano, demonstrators were heard chanting “Mu yunwa muke ji” (“we are hungry”), highlighting the dire circumstances many Nigerians face.
While most cities report peaceful demonstrations, tensions remain high. Public transportation is operating at reduced capacity, and many residents have opted to stay indoors, fearing potential unrest.
As the protests unfold, human rights organisations like Amnesty International have called on the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. The coming days will likely prove crucial in determining the impact of these nationwide demonstrations on the country’s political landscape and economic policies.