The nationwide protest against economic hardship in Nigeria, organized by the ‘Take it Back Movement,’ may extend beyond its initial 10-day plan if the protesters’ demands remain unaddressed, according to Damilola Adenola, the movement’s Director of Mobilisation.
Since August 1, Nigerians have taken to the streets to express their frustration with the worsening economic situation. The protest, which was originally intended to last for 10 days, is aimed at compelling the government to address key issues, including reducing the size of the government, reinstating the petrol subsidy regime, ensuring food security, and promoting fiscal discipline.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Adenola criticized the government’s response, stating, “The protest, as we initially announced, was slated for 10 days, but it may go beyond that, depending on how the government responds. It seems like we are dealing with an irresponsible ruling class, so the government should be prepared for the protests to continue if our demands are not addressed.”
Joining the discussion, Inibehe Effiong, a human rights and public interest lawyer, emphasized the need for the government to take the concerns of Nigerians seriously. He questioned the silence of President Tinubu, saying, “This protest has been ongoing for two days, yet President Tinubu has not addressed Nigerians or their demands. Forty-eight hours in, over 12 Nigerians have been killed, and still, the government has not initiated any dialogue.
Effiong further criticized the size of the current administration, stating, “The president has appointed 48 ministers—the highest in the history of our country—at a time when the nation is struggling to fund basic services. If President Tinubu is serious about addressing these issues, it shouldn’t take him more than an hour to reduce the number of ministers to 27.”
The ongoing protests highlight growing discontent among Nigerians, with many calling for immediate government action to alleviate the economic challenges facing the country.
