In Niger State, youth-led protests have erupted unexpectedly, two days ahead of the planned nationwide strike set for August 1–10, 2024.
This development comes despite Governor Mohammed Bago’s earlier assurances that youth in the state would not participate in the protest.
On Monday, demonstrators took to the streets, holding placards with slogans such as “Fuel subsidy must be back,” “Enough is enough,” “Stop anti-masses policies,” “We are not slaves in our country,” and “Hardship is unbearable.”
The protesters marched along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway in Suleja LGA, voicing their dissatisfaction with the worsening economic conditions and rising inflation in Nigeria.
Governor Bago had previously addressed a town hall meeting in Minna, where he said Niger State’s youth are peaceful and distanced them from the national protest.
He encouraged a focus on dialogue and communication as alternatives to public demonstrations.
In an effort to alleviate the economic strain, the governor announced the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of grains to be sold at half their current market price.
Governor Bago also stated that his administration is financially independent from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
“I do not need FAAC in Niger State. The roads I am building and the projects I have undertaken are not being done by FAAC. We are producing, and that is the secret behind what we are doing. There are people who have invested in Niger State for the next five years,” he explained.
The governor’s office has instructed security agencies to ensure compliance with the grain subsidy directive, which originally targeted exports but has now been redirected to support local residents amid the economic crisis.
