In a few days marked by intense protests, Nigeria is facing a mounting crisis of destruction and loss. Infrastructure has been severely damaged, with estimates suggesting a staggering N500 billion reduction in GDP. As unrest sweeps from Kano to Borno, the extent of the devastation becomes increasingly apparent. President Bola Tinubu has called for calm, urging citizens to rethink their involvement in the protests and underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the underlying issues. In this special report, BOLAJI OGUNDELE writes on the profound impact of the protests on the nation’s economy and social fabric.
In a single day of intense unrest, Nigeria has begun to tally its losses. Media reports indicate significant damage to public and private property, along with the tragic loss of lives in some regions. Economically, the impact has been severe, with the organised private sector estimating that Nigeria lost at least N500 billion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Thursday alone.
From Kano to Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the reports are alarming. In Borno, a state still grappling with the aftermath of Boko Haram terrorism, a deadly blast in Kawuri Village, Konduga council area, claimed 19 lives and left many others seriously injured. There had been warnings that protests in such volatile regions could be hijacked by violent elements. Just a month ago, a suicide blast in Gwoza council area killed 18 people. In Kano, widespread looting was reported, and similar scenes of chaos unfolded in other parts of the country. Prior to the protests, various Nigerian groups and individuals had cautioned that the current atmosphere was not conducive to protests, pointing to previous instances in Africa where protests had resulted in further harm to people and their livelihoods.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were among those who tried to reason with those mobilising for the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. In a meeting with a group of Ulamas at the State House, a week before the protest’s commencement, the President acknowledged the citizens’ right to peaceful protest but expressed concerns about this particular demonstration, which had been dubbed “10 Days of Rage” by another group. During the meeting, President Tinubu, who has a history of leading peaceful protests, emphasised his support for peaceful expression but voiced worries about the timing and leadership of the current protest. He highlighted concerns regarding the potential for the protest to be hijacked, especially given the involvement of certain elements with controversial backgrounds, referencing the #EndSARS protest of 2020 and the 2023 elections.
The President urged for alternative methods of seeking solutions, cautioning that protests could lead to more suffering for ordinary citizens. Addressing the Islamic leaders, who agreed with his concerns and called on the protest organisers to reconsider for the sake of vulnerable Nigerians, President Tinubu stressed that his apprehension was not about the protests themselves but about their potential negative impact on the people and the progress his administration aims to achieve in reordering Nigeria’s socioeconomic trajectory.
“Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens.
“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards. I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern. I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work. Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,” the President said.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu cautioned against ‘unintended harm’ to public peace and appealed to those planning the protest to reconsider their actions, citing the potential harm it could cause to vulnerable Nigerians. Recalling the lasting impact of a similar protest on Lagos State’s economy and psyche, the First Lady urged organizers to consider the welfare of Nigerians who are already facing significant challenges. She emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to create a conducive environment for all citizens and highlighted the importance of maintaining stability for the nation’s progress.
“Lagos has not recovered from #EndSARS and it saddens our hearts and what people don’t realise is that when we’re drumming for things like that, we don’t know the backlash and what will happen after. All those things are very distracting and I will appeal to them to be patient; we didn’t come here playing. We came here to work because, one, I know we’ll leave this place one day and I want to go into a Nigeria that will not be a burden to me. I’ll be much older and I want to make sure that I take my rest in a very conducive and nice atmosphere and that’s what we’re doing.
“This government has been working day and night to make sure that this country is put back on its feet. The respect we have now as Nigerians in international community is higher than what we’ve had in the past. People want to do business with Nigeria legitimately now because they know all cards are on the table. They want to do business with Nigerians legitimately and that will create jobs. So our youth should try to engage themselves, be creative, and do more. So everybody has to be creative, our youth have to be seen doing something, nobody’s going to even encourage and put money into the pocket of somebody who’s not doing anything,” she said.
Some believe that despite the various cautions from government and other groups, particularly concerning the potential for the protest to be hijacked, the organisers should have reconsidered their actions. Critics argue that if the organisers’ motives were solely to address issues like alleged bad governance, hunger and insecurity, they would have taken the widespread warnings into account. In the days leading up to the protest, leaders from various parts of the country called for caution. Government officials, at multiple levels, repeatedly pleaded with the mobilisers to allow time for President Tinubu’s reforms to take effect.
During the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last Monday, it was emphasised that the administration was already addressing the demands cited by the protest organisers through various reforms and programmes. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated that a protest was unnecessary given the ongoing efforts to tackle these issues. At the post-FEC briefing, Idris stated that the council concluded protests were unwarranted at this time, as the Tinubu administration is actively working on reforms, programmes, and projects that address most of the concerns raised by the protest organisers.
“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government and therefore it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again because most of those things that the protesters are putting forward are already actually being addressed or are being addressed by government and like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government.
“The President has listened to be voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it. Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do for example, the effort that government is making, in ensuring that food is being made available. The last Council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks 20 precisely had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually In need of them to poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need, but government did not stop there; there is also rice that is being sold at about 50% of its cost. A bag of rice is being sold at N40,000 as we speak now,” Idris said while speaking to journalists at the State House last Monday.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in support of Idris’s statements on the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision, detailed the various reforms and programmes designed to rejuvenate the Nigerian system. He praised President Tinubu’s administration for its bold reforms and credited it for the gains made in the last 13 months. The Minister argued that the protests against bad governance are misdirected, as the current administration has made significant progress in addressing long-term problems. He cited examples such as the autonomy of local governments, the unification of the exchange rate, and the removal of subsidies as bold decisions taken by the President. Tunji-Ojo concluded that these reforms and initiatives demonstrate good governance, rendering the protests unwarranted.
He particularly noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy and the promotion of local trade in crude oil or refined petroleum products using the naira are significant achievements poised to boost the energy sector and drive industrialisation. He explained that these decisions will attract industries and refineries to Nigeria, making the country energy-sufficient and a net exporter of refined products. This, he said, will create employment opportunities for youths and enhance their skill sets. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the unification of the exchange rate, a policy that he said has increased the predictability of FOREX and encouraged foreign direct investment. He also commended the President and the Minister of Health for initiatives such as the student loan programme and the provision of dialysis equipment, stating that these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing critical needs and improving the lives of Nigerians.
On Day 4, which was Sunday, President Tinubu addressed all Nigerians, including those who saw no reason to join the protests. He called for calm and invited the protesters to engage in dialogue. This appeal came amidst circulating images on social media suggesting some dangerous international implications, as some protesters were seen holding Russian flags. “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. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart. We must work together to build a brighter future, where every Nigerian can live with dignity and prosperity.
“The task before us is a collective one, and I am leading the charge as your President. A lot of work has gone into stabilising our economy and I must stay focused on ensuring that the benefits reach every single Nigerian as promised. My administration is working very hard to improve and expand our national infrastructure and create more opportunities for our young people. Let nobody misinform and mis-educate you about your country or tell you that your government does not care about you. Although there have been many dashed hopes in the past, we are in a new era of Renewed Hope. We are working hard for you, and the results will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let us choose hope over fear, unity over division, and progress over stagnation. The economy is recovering; Please, don’t shut out its oxygen. Now that we have been enjoying democratic governance for 25 years, do not let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey. Forward ever, backward never,” he appealed to the protesters.
He also addressed security agencies, urging them to “continue to maintain peace, law, and order in our country following the necessary conventions on human rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The safety and security of all Nigerians are paramount.” The first day of the “10 Days of Rage” had a significant impact, seemingly diminishing the momentum for the remaining days. The second day of protests failed to match the intensity and scale of the first day, which had already caused considerable damage and shock. The events of Day 1, marked by fear and destruction, were exactly what the President had hoped to avoid, leaving many Nigerians, directly or indirectly affected, reluctant for the protests to continue.
