With barely 24 hours into the planned nationwide protest orchestrated by aggrieved young Nigerians over the tsunamic wave of hardship across Nigeria, tension has continued to heightened amid appeals by the federal government to shelve the proposed mass demonstration.
Recall that during his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu stated that the era of subsidy payment on fuel had ended, adding that with the 2023 budget making no provision for it, further subsidy payment was no longer sustainable.
Tinubu’s pronouncement sparked an instant hike in the price of Petrol followed by a ripple effect on the prices of food items and other essential commodities in the markets putting the purchasing power of an average Nigerian at the weakest level.
Apparently, it is against this backdrop that young Nigerians across divides are gearing up to flood the streets nationwide to express their grievances and call government attention to among other key demands; reinstate subsidy regime by cutting down the price of PMS,(Petrol), address the tidal wave of hunger across the country, address insecurity, cost of living concerns, high cost of governance, among others.
As Nigerians wait in bated breath for the outcome of the protest scheduled for August 1st-10th, 2024 here is a list of protests in Nigeria, from the colonial rule to present day and the agitations behind these protests.
| Year | Day | Name | People | Location | Notes | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1929 | 6 December | Aba Women’s Riot |
|
Eastern Nigeria | The women protested against tax levies imposed by the colonial government. It led to the death of many of the women.[1] |
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| 1947 | 27 November | Abeokuta Women’s Revolt |
|
Alake’s Palace, Abeokuta | The women protested against an unfair tax regime which led to the abdication of the then Alake of Egbaland, Oba Sir Ladapo Ademola II and the abolition of the tax regime by the colonial government.[1] |  |
| 1978 | 17 April | Ali Must Go |
|
Universities nationwide | A 50 kobo increase in student fees sparked the protests. | |
| 1989 | 24 May – June | Anti-Sap riots |
|
Universities nationwide | The protests occurred as a result of the effects of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-imposed Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) introduced by the Ibrahim Babangida-led government. | |
| 1993 | June 12 Protests |
|
South West Nigeria | The protests occurred as an aftermath of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential elections by Ibrahim Babangida. | ||
| 2012 | 2-14 January | Occupy Nigeria |
|
Nigeria (including the diaspora) | Nigerians protested against the removal of fuel subsidies and eventual price hikes by the Goodluck Jonathan government. It led to the reinstatement of the subsidy and a review of the Federal Government spending. |
|
| 2020 | End SARS |
|
Nigeria (including the diaspora) | The protests are against police brutality meted out by a now-defunct specialised police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad SARS). A memorial protest was held on 20 October 2021 to mark the first anniversary of the October 2020 Lekki toll gate shooting. |
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Some of the protests, also include;
1. 2000 – Sharia Law Protests:
The introduction of Sharia law in some northern states led to protests and violent clashes.
2. 2003 – Anti-Fuel Hike Protests:
Widespread protests were organised by labour unions against the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
3. 2005 – Occupy Nigeria (Early Protests):
Protests against corruption and poor governance.
4. 2007 – Electoral Protests:
Protests against the alleged rigging of the presidential elections won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2010 – 2015
5. 2010 – Anti-Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests:
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies led to increased fuel prices.
6. 2012 – Occupy Nigeria:
Massive nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies which significantly increased the cost of living.
7. 2014 – #BringBackOurGirls:
A global movement and protests following the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.
2016 – 2020
8. 2016 – Biafra Agitations:
Protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the secession of the Southeast region.
9. 2017 – Anti-Buhari Protests:
Protests demanding President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation due to prolonged medical leave abroad.
10. 2018 – NLC Protests:
Strikes and protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) demanding an increased minimum wage.
11. 2020 – #EndSARS Protests:
Nationwide protests against police brutality, specifically the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), resulted in significant international attention and the eventual disbandment of SARS by the Nigerian government.
2021 – Present
12. 2021 – #EndSARS Memorial Protests:
Memorial protests marking the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.
13. 2022 – ASUU Strike Protests:
