The nationwide protest against economic hardship and governance issues, widely known as #EndBadGovernance, ended four days ago on Saturday, August 10, after a tense 10-day demonstration that gripped the country. What began as a promise of peaceful civil disobedience evolved into violent clashes in several regions, particularly in the northern states of Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
According to reports from The Guardian, the protests resulted in the deaths of 22 people and left 175 injured. The violence also caused extensive damage to both public and private property, with losses estimated in the millions of naira. The destruction was widely shared on social media, amplifying the sense of chaos and unrest across the country. Law enforcement agencies reported the arrest of 1,154 individuals nationwide during the protests.
The demonstrations were primarily fueled by the severe economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians. The removal of the fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira, and other controversial policies have driven up inflation, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable. These economic pressures have strained household finances, led to the collapse of numerous businesses, and pushed many into severe poverty. In this context, the protests emerged as a necessary and legitimate means for citizens to voice their grievances against the government.
However, the violence that marred the protests prompted a national address by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who sought to calm the situation. Despite the tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, many analysts believe the protests achieved their primary goal: drawing attention to the plight of ordinary Nigerians and compelling the government to acknowledge the urgency of their demands.
Speaking to *The Conversation Africa*, Professor Toyin Falola, a historian at the University of Texas, highlighted the significance of the protests in the broader context of Nigerian democracy. He emphasized that these demonstrations served as a critical check on the ruling class, reminding them of their duty to prioritize the needs and concerns of the populace.
“It reminds the ruling class of the need to prioritize their interests and listen to their plight. Demonstrations have always been a successful means of highlighting the need to respect the principles of democracy,” Falola noted.
Drawing parallels to other movements across Africa, Falola cited the protests that led to the fall of Omar al-Bashir in Sudan in April 2019 and the formation of a coalition government. He also referenced youth-led movements in Tunisia, Egypt, Burkina Faso, and Senegal that have challenged dictatorships in the wake of the Arab Spring.
However, Falola cautioned that protests alone are insufficient to bring about lasting change. He referenced the French Revolution, emphasizing that without a well-thought-out political strategy, even the most fervent demonstrations can falter. Falola urged Nigerian youth to take a more active role in shaping public policy and governance.
“At the beginning of Obafemi Awolowo’s involvement in politics, he was a nationalist and journalist. He criticized government decisions and policies, calling for Nigerian independence at the risk of government backlash,” Falola said. “Awolowo must have realized that the best way to be an effective change agent is not to merely be on the sidelines. He followed his path through the Nigerian Youth Movement and became a prominent hero of the country’s democracy.”
Falola also pointed to the example of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first ceremonial president, who left journalism for active politics to realize his political aspirations. He argued that Nigerian youth must coordinate their efforts and become strong political blocs that participate in decision-making processes.
“No change will be achieved if the youth are a few steps away from the seats of power. Young Nigerians must become part of the political fabric of society; they must not be aloof,” Falola continued. “In the next election, as many young Nigerians as possible should run for legislative seats and other political positions. This would influence the policy-making processes of the nation. The youth will have an official mandate to act as watchdogs over government.”As the #EndBadGovernance protests come to an end, they have brought to light the deep-seated frustrations among Nigerians. While the immediate outcomes have been tragic, the movement has also opened up new possibilities for political engagement and change. The challenge now lies in channeling this energy into constructive and lasting policy reforms that address the root causes of the protests.
