Police officers in Abuja fired teargas at protesters on Tuesday during the “Fearless In October” demonstration against bad governance, dispersing the crowd that had gathered at the Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protesters, waving the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and holding banners with messages such as “EndBadGovernance,” “DiasporaVoting,” and “EndHighLivingCosts,” were advocating for better governance and demanding a reversal of policies that have heightened the cost of living. The protest mirrored the themes of the August #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, as young Nigerians voiced their frustrations over the removal of fuel subsidies and increases in electricity tariffs.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic as demonstrators fled when teargas was deployed. “We came out peacefully to demand a better future, but the police responded with force,” one protester remarked while running to safety.
The October 1, 2024 protest was widely publicized on social media under the hashtag #FearlessInOctober. It followed mounting public discontent over President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange rate. Critics argue that these measures have led to rampant inflation and soaring costs of living, with energy prices, in particular, skyrocketing since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Petrol prices have surged from around N200 per litre to over N1,000, while electricity tariffs have quadrupled, placing immense strain on households and businesses.
During Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day broadcast, President Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, urging them to be patient as his administration works to stabilize the economy. “We are implementing measures to lower the high cost of living. I understand the hardship my reforms have caused, but they are necessary for the long-term benefit of Nigerians,” Tinubu said in his address.
Despite the President’s plea for understanding, many Nigerians continue to express dissatisfaction, calling for immediate relief from the rising cost of living and demanding greater accountability from the government. The protest in Abuja reflects growing frustration as citizens push for swift action on economic reforms.
