Nigeria Protest: From anti-fuel hike to #ENDSARS

Nigeria has witnessed series of protest since her return to civilian rule in 1999. These protests reflected the populace’s persistent demand for better governance, social justice, and economic reforms. The protests reflects the citizens’ determination to hold their leaders accountable and address systemic issues.

Ranging from anti-fuel hike demonstrations to the globally recognised #EndSARS movement, these protests have shaped the political scene of Nigeria.

As Nigerians are preparing for a nationwide protest today August 1 against hunger and hardship stemming from economic policies and subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu, here is a recap of the major protests that has occurred in Nigeria from 1999 till date

1. 2000 – Sharia Law Protests
This protest happened as a result of the introduction of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria. This introduction of this law led to protest and resulted into violent clashes.

2. 2003 – Anti-Fuel Hike Protests
This protest was organised by Labour Union against the government’s decision to increase fuel proces.

3. 2005 – Occupy Nigeria (Early Protests)
This was a protest against bad governance and corruption

4. 2007 – Electoral Protests
After the presidential election won by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a protest occurred because some people alleged that the election was rigged.

5. 2010 – Anti-Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests
The removal of fuel subsidies and increase fuel prices led to this protest.

6. 2012 – Occupy Nigeria
Massive nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies which significantly increased the cost of living.

7. 2014 – #BringBackOurGirls
Following the kidnap of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State, a wide spread protest happened in Nigeria.

8. 2016 – Biafra Agitations
Protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the secession of the Southeast region.

9. 2017 – Anti-Buhari Protests
After President Muhammadu Buhari took a prolonged medical leave abroad, some people protested demanding he resigns from office.

10. 2018 – NLC Protests
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), organised strikes and protests demanding an increased minimum wage.

11. 2020 – #EndSARS Protests
Nationwide protests against police brutality, specifically the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). It resulted in significant international attention and the eventual disbandment of SARS by the Nigerian government.

12. 2021 – #EndSARS Memorial Protests
This was a memorial protest marking the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.

13. 2022 – ASUU Strike Protests
Protests and strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid allowances and inadequate funding of the education sector.

14. 2023 – Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests
Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies by the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, leading to increased fuel prices and cost of living.

Additionally, the recent ban by network providers on millions of subscribers over the weekend has led to protests in major cities across the country, including Lagos, Osogbo, Oyo, and Niger, among others.