Protests Erupt In Sokoto Over Soaring Cost Of Living

Protests erupted in Sokoto State on Monday as residents voiced their grievances against the soaring cost of living in Nigeria. The demonstrators, hailing from the Tudun Wada neighborhood in the state capital, marched in solidarity to the gates of the state government house, brandishing placards emblazoned with slogans like “Wake tsada”, “Masara tsada”, “Man fetir yayi tsada”, and more.

Nigeria grapples with an economic downturn exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies in May of last year. Consequently, the populace faces mounting hardships, with prices of essential commodities skyrocketing. This economic strain has precipitated a decline in the country’s overall economic stability.

Echoes of discontent reverberated beyond Sokoto, as similar protests erupted in states such as Niger, Osun, Lagos, and Kano the previous week. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government, demanding concrete measures to alleviate the suffering and poverty plaguing citizens.

Abdullahi Muhammad, a prominent figure in the protest, articulated the frustration felt by many: “We find ourselves backed against the wall. Our elected leaders were entrusted with the promise of progress, yet the situation continues to deteriorate. There must be concerted efforts to stabilize prices and ease the burden on the populace.”

Muhammad also levied accusations against merchants, alleging hoarding practices and unjustifiable price hikes. He implored the government to bolster oversight of commercial activities to curb such exploitative practices.

The dire situation is epitomized by exorbitant prices, with staples like garri commanding 1,250 Naira per cup and maize fetching 1,700 Naira per cup, further exacerbating the plight of ordinary Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.