Abuja: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu urged for a halt to protests against the cost of living crisis on Sunday, advocating for dialogue as a means to address citizens’ grievances. This marked his first public response since widespread demonstrations erupted last week.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests, which began on Thursday. The police, however, denied allegations of excessive force, stating that seven people had died as of Saturday. These fatalities included four from an explosive device during a march in northeast Borno state, two who were hit by a car, and another who was shot by a guard during a shop looting incident.
In a televised broadcast, Tinubu called for an end to the violence that has spread across several states since the protests began. He emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue. “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” he stated.
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Nigerians have been organizing protests online, driven by economic hardship and dissatisfaction with governance. The demonstrators have demanded reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among other issues.
Since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu has defended his economic reforms, which include a partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira. He argues that these measures are necessary to correct years of economic mismanagement.
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Tinubu highlighted that government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year. He noted that 68% of revenue is now allocated to debt servicing, down from 97% before he assumed office in May of the previous year.
The president also pointed out the government’s increased spending on infrastructure projects, the initiation of a loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states. “But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” Tinubu cautioned.
