Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, witnessed scenes of unrest on Monday as residents took to the streets to voice their grievances over the nation’s economic woes. Originating from the Mokola area, the protest, predominantly led by youths, disrupted key thoroughfares like the Mokola under-bridge and Queen Elizabeth Road, causing significant traffic disruptions.
The protesters expressed their frustration, highlighting the exorbitant cost of food and the overall decline in living standards exacerbated by the pervasive inflation plaguing the country.
Social media images captured demonstrators brandishing placards bearing slogans such as ‘E bi n pawa’ (We’re hungry), encapsulating the palpable anger among the populace.
In response to the escalating situation, armed police officers were dispatched to the scene to maintain order, underscoring the gravity of the protest.
This unrest follows similar demonstrations in Minna and Suleja earlier in the month, reflecting a growing discontent with government policies.
The protesters demanded urgent action from the government to address the prevailing economic challenges, citing unbearable inflation, skyrocketing fuel and gas prices, and an overarching sense of economic hardship as key issues.
This protest in Ibadan mirrors a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s current economic conditions.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a two-day nationwide mass protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, further highlighting the widespread discontent and stressing the immediate need for government intervention to mitigate economic hardships.
Nigeria has been grappling with heightened economic pressures, with inflation soaring to 29.90 per cent in January, and food inflation reaching a year-on-year high of 35.41 per cent. This substantial increase underscores a concerning trend of rising food prices.
The surge in inflation is driven by notable price hikes in essential food commodities such as bread, cereals, tubers, oils, fats, fish, meat, fruits, as well as coffee, tea, and cocoa. This crisis is exacerbated by a vulnerable food supply chain plagued by inadequate infrastructure and logistical bottlenecks, hindering efficient production and distribution and contributing to price hikes and volatility.
Moreover, Nigeria’s struggling agricultural system, compounded by ongoing insecurity, has led to increased reliance on food imports. Fluctuations in global commodity prices, influenced by geopolitical tensions and adverse weather, further exacerbate the situation, impacting food prices domestically.
As protests continue to unfold, they underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address Nigeria’s economic challenges. The government’s response and subsequent actions will be pivotal in alleviating economic hardships and restoring confidence among the population.
