Protests erupted in Kano and other major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Rivers, Borno, and Abuja, as citizens expressed frustration over the rising cost of living.
The demonstrations, organised under the banner #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, were met with a heavy police presence.
In Kano, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds of young protesters attempting to light bonfires outside the governor’s office.
An AFP correspondent on the ground reported that the security forces’ use of tear gas was a response to the escalating situation as protesters gathered to voice their discontent over economic conditions.
The protests are planned to last for ten days, beginning on August 1, 2024, and have seen significant participation across multiple states.
In Lagos, a chaotic scene unfolded at the Oke Koto roundabout near Agege Pen Cinema underbridge and Iyana Ipaja, where a violent altercation among a group of individuals erupted over the distribution of a cash gift.
The incident, which reportedly lasted over ten minutes, highlighted the tensions and desperation exacerbated by the economic crisis.
The unrest also saw the targeting of public infrastructure, including the looting and burning of a newly constructed Digital Park in Kano by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This facility, which had not yet been officially commissioned, was intended to support the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aimed at providing technical skills training to Nigerians.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, condemned the destruction of the park, noting its critical role in fostering technological education and job creation.
He expressed disappointment over the setback, stating, “Millions of Naira down the drain,” and stated that the 3MTT programme was in place to empower Nigerian youth.
