As Nigeria marked its 64th Independence Day on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, thousands of citizens took to the streets in the nation’s political and economic capitals, Abuja and Lagos, to protest the soaring cost of living and energy prices.

For many, the day symbolized not a time for celebration but a call for urgent reforms. Protesters rallied under the banner of “FearlessInOctober,” demanding action from President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address inflation and the unprecedented economic hardship plaguing the country.

The demonstrations, heavily propagated on social media, come just two months after the August #EndBadGovernance protests. Both movements share similar demands, including the reversal of the petrol subsidy removal and electricity tariff hikes.

In Abuja, protesters gathered in the Utako area, waving Nigeria’s Green-White-Green flag and holding placards bearing messages such as “EndBadGovernance” and “EndHighLivingCosts.”

A similar scene unfolded in Lagos, where crowds converged at the Ikeja UnderBridge area, obstructing traffic on a day declared a public holiday for the Independence Day celebrations. Activist Omoyele Sowore also joined the rally in Lagos, as protesters prepared to march to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.

Despite warnings from the government and security agencies, protests extended beyond Abuja and Lagos, with demonstrations in several states across the country. The protests were driven by anger over Tinubu’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which many Nigerians blame for worsening inflation and escalating living costs.

Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, petrol prices have risen from N200 to over N1,000 per litre, and electricity tariffs have more than quadrupled, severely impacting the manufacturing sector and households alike.

In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic strain but urged Nigerians to be patient, stating that his administration is working on reforms to alleviate the burden and stabilize the economy.