Hundreds of protesters stormed the streets of Lagos on Monday in a demonstration against the persistent economic hardship in Nigeria.
This protest was held against the warning issued by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Sunday.
According to him, the police are aware of the plan by some people to protest in the state and will ensure that necessary measures are put in place for the safety of the lives and property of Lagosians.
He stressed that nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful environment to let residents carry out their lawful duties.
The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions at Ojuelegba under the bridge area of the state to make their grievances known on the current economic hardship across the country.
The “Take It Back Movement” (TIB) National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, speaking to newsmen, said the protest was a demonstration of the people’s will against oppressive tendencies and hardship.
“Yes, despite police attempts to frustrate the people, Lagosians stood their ground. The police are paid by taxpayers’ money, they are meant to secure us.
“We were able to match from Yaba Labour House to Maryland. The protest will continue tomorrow and updates will be given. We will join the NLC in their nationwide mass action to put an end to this hardship created by the ruling elite,” Sanyaolu added.
Stating their demands, Sanyaolu said, “The Tinubu-led government must immediately reverse the fuel subsidy removal, the floating of naira and other policies of the International Monetary Fund imposed on Nigerians.”
Also present at the protest were members of other civil society organisations such as the Joint Action Front and the Coalition for Revolution.
Similarly, Civil Society Organisations in Edo State stormed the streets of Benin City, the state capital.
The protest followed the current economic hardship currently affecting Nigerians.
Members of the CSOs carried various placards, such as “End Economic Hardship”, “FG End the Hunger in Nigeria Now,” among many others to state their grievances.
The Benin protest is coming after Ibadan residents protested against economic hardship.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has vowed to also stage a protest beginning tomorrow.
On February 16, the NLC announced the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday over the alleged government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government to implement measures against the widespread hardship.