[Photo Essay]: Nigerians March Against Bad Governance, Economic Hardship on Independence Day
As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, many citizens have stormed the streets to peacefully protest bad governance and economic hardship.
![Protesters with signs demanding changes, rallying on a street.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-10-780x470.jpg)
Nigerians in various parts of the country have taken over the streets to protest against economic hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and the continuous devaluation of the naira. The developments have left many struggling to make ends meet.
Despite attempts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to downplay the protests as politically motivated, the demonstrations tagged “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” have witnessed the participation of hundreds of Nigerians.
A similar protest was also held in August, as protesters said they could no longer pay their children’s school fees and afford house rents. Meanwhile, the last protest was marred by security forces’ high handedness, which led to reported deaths and injuries.
Lagos
![Crowd of people at a protest with signs and megaphones.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-11-1024x768.jpg)
![Group of people demonstrating, carrying banners and a flag, with buildings in the background.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-12-1024x768.jpg)
![A woman holding up a plastic item on a bustling street with onlookers and a yellow bus in the background.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-13-1024x768.jpg)
![Group of people marching in protest with banners and signs on a city street.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-14-1024x768.jpg)
![People marching with a sign reading "REVERSE ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE" on a street.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-15-1024x768.jpg)
![Man in blue traditional attire gesturing at the camera on a busy street with people.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-16-1024x768.jpg)
![Group of individuals holding a protest banner calling for workers' rights and the dropping of false charges against activists.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-17-1024x768.jpg)
![Elderly woman wearing a palm-print shirt talks in front of a shop with household items.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-18-1024x768.jpg)
![A group of police officers in uniform gathered on a city street, with people and vehicles around them.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-19-1024x768.jpg)
Abuja
In Abuja, the main express roads that lead to eagles square have been blocked by the military and other security agencies to restrict mobility.
![Nigerian police force armored vehicles and officers on a city street.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-20-1024x768.jpg)
![Security checkpoint with uniformed officers inspecting a car on a road.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-21-1024x768.jpg)
![Urban street scene with police and vehicles, possibly during a security operation.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-22-1024x768-1.jpg)
![An elderly man wearing a striped shirt sitting in an outdoor area with a pink tiled wall and greenery.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-23-1024x589.jpg)
![Man in a black Lakers jersey standing on an empty street with trees and traffic lights in the background.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-24-1024x768.jpg)
![A busy street scene with cars, people walking, and a police presence near a median strip, with a mosque in the background.](https://humanglemedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/unnamed-25-1024x768.jpg)
Nigerians have taken to the streets across the country to protest economic hardships resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies and the continuous devaluation of the naira, which has made life increasingly difficult. President Bola Tinubu's administration has attempted to downplay the protests as politically motivated, but the demonstrations under the hashtag “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” have seen widespread participation, with citizens demanding the reversal of the fuel subsidy removal, addressing high living costs, and other inequalities in the country.
In Lagos, protesters, including traders and drivers impacted by economic hardship, marched from Ikeja Underbridge to Allen Avenue and Ojota, blocking roads and calling for action on issues such as the rising electricity tariffs and the persecution of journalists and activists. Security forces have responded with heavy-handed tactics, resulting in reported deaths and injuries.
In Abuja, major express roads leading to Eagles Square were blocked by military and security forces to prevent mobility and protests. Protesters, facing blocked roads and heavy security presence, expressed their disappointment and frustration over the restricted access and an empty venue, underscoring the struggle against economic adversity.
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