Nigeria is on edge as labour unions, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens prepare for nationwide protests against the lingering effects of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal. The move, announced last year as part of sweeping economic reforms, has triggered months of inflation, hardship, and mounting discontent across the country.
Why Nigerians Are Protesting Fuel Subsidy Removal
Since the subsidy removal, petrol prices have tripled in some regions, sparking a ripple effect on transportation, food, and electricity costs. With inflation now hovering above 31%, many Nigerians say they are struggling to survive amid rising living expenses and stagnant wages.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to mobilize workers for mass demonstrations in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Civil society groups have also joined the movement, arguing that the government has failed to implement adequate palliative measures to cushion the impact.
“We are not opposed to reforms, but the government must put Nigerians first. Families are hungry, transportation is unaffordable, and businesses are shutting down,” said NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement.
Government’s Response
The federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has defended the removal of subsidies as a necessary step to stabilize the economy, reduce fiscal deficits, and attract foreign investment. Officials argue that continuing to subsidize fuel was unsustainable, costing the country billions of dollars annually.
In a televised address last week, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, urged Nigerians to remain patient, promising that new social intervention programs, including direct cash transfers and transport subsidies, will be rolled out in phases.
However, critics say the promised relief has been too slow and too limited to ease the economic shock faced by millions of Nigerians.
Impact on Daily Life
For many citizens, the subsidy removal has translated into higher transportation fares, skyrocketing food prices, and increasing electricity costs. Market traders report that sales have dropped sharply as customers cut back on spending, while transport unions say fewer commuters can afford daily travel.
“I spend almost half of my salary on transportation alone,” lamented Musa Ibrahim, a civil servant in Abuja. “By the time I buy food for my family, there is nothing left.”
Small and medium-sized businesses—often described as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy—are also under strain, with many forced to increase prices or cut staff.
What to Expect Next
With protests scheduled to begin this week, security agencies have been placed on alert to prevent violence and maintain order. Analysts warn that how the government handles the demonstrations could shape public confidence in its reform agenda.
Economists say Nigeria faces a delicate balancing act: implementing tough reforms to revive the economy while ensuring citizens do not bear the brunt of the hardship.