Hundreds of protesters on Friday staged a fresh #EndBadGovernance demonstration in Lagos, using the Democracy Day celebration to demand urgent action from the Federal Government on the country’s worsening economic and security challenges.
The protesters, comprising civil society activists, rights advocates and concerned Nigerians, marched through parts of the state carrying placards and banners highlighting concerns over rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity and inflation.
Among the messages displayed during the peaceful protest were “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
The demonstration comes amid growing public concerns over economic hardship and recent incidents of mass abductions reported in Oyo and Borno states, which have further heightened fears about the nation’s security situation.
Participants called on the government to take decisive measures to tackle inflation, improve citizens’ purchasing power, create jobs and address the rising cost of transportation and essential goods.
Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, joined the protest and reiterated calls for improved governance and policies aimed at easing the burden on Nigerians.
Falana had earlier aligned with several civil society organisations in designating June 12 as a day of nationwide protest, citing widespread concerns over hunger, insecurity and economic difficulties confronting citizens.
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Also present at the demonstration was rapper and activist Falz, who urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and ensure the safety of students across the country.
Security personnel monitored the protest to maintain order as demonstrators carried out their activities.
Meanwhile, a separate group of demonstrators staged a counter-rally in support of the government’s ongoing reforms. The pro-government supporters marched with banners bearing the inscription, “Better Days Ahead for Nigeria,” expressing confidence that current economic policies would deliver long-term benefits.
The group appealed to Nigerians to remain patient, arguing that the reforms being implemented were necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.
The contrasting demonstrations reflected the divided public sentiment over the government’s handling of economic and security issues as Nigerians marked another Democracy Day anniversary.
