Democracy Day: Groups Demand Action on Hunger, Insecurity as Protest Rocks Lagos

Hundreds of protesters under the umbrella of various civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements and faith-based bodies stormed the Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos on Friday to demand urgent government intervention in the country’s worsening economic and security situation.

The demonstrators accused the government of failing to adequately address rising hardship, insecurity and inflation, which they said have continued to erode the living standards of ordinary Nigerians.

The coalition said the protest was convened to draw attention to the growing suffering among citizens amid escalating food prices, job losses and persistent security threats across the country.

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As they marched, participants displayed placards carrying messages such as “End all anti-people policies now,” “End hunger,” “Free all captives now,” “Decent minimum wage,” “No democracy without security,” “For a living wage and mass job creation,” and “Tinubu has failed Nigeria.”

The protesters maintained that urgent policy measures are needed to improve security, create jobs and cushion the effects of economic reforms on vulnerable Nigerians.

Friday’s demonstration adds to the growing wave of public dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and continued insecurity in several parts of the country, with many citizens calling for more decisive action from the authorities.