Nationwide #EndBadGovernance Protests Paralyze Major Cities from Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Imo

Economic activities across Nigeria have ground to a halt as the long-awaited #EndBadGovernance protest takes off in multiple cities nationwide. From Abuja to Abeokuta, Port Harcourt to Lagos, banks and businesses have shuttered their doors, and roads are eerily deserted as protesters defy last-minute attempts by authorities to halt the demonstrations.

In Kaduna, the usually bustling Ahmadu Bello Way in the Central Business District is devoid of the typical vehicular and pedestrian traffic, reflecting the widespread participation in the protest against poor living conditions. Similarly, in Owerri, banks, markets, and business establishments remain closed in anticipation of the demonstrators.

Public transportation systems are operating at a reduced capacity nationwide, with many commuters opting to stay indoors amid fears of potential unrest. In Sokoto and Damaturu, a heavy security presence has been noted, although residents have largely shunned the protests.

At the proposed protest venue in Bauchi, opposite the School of Agriculture in Yelwan Labourer, security personnel are present, but no protesters have gathered yet. In Kano, streets are empty, and shops are heavily guarded. However, in the Zoo Road area, protesters are vocal, chanting “Mu yunwa muke ji” meaning “we are hungry.”

In Lagos State, protesters initially gathered in the Alausa area but were redirected by security operatives to Gani Fawehinmi Park, the designated protest site. Despite this, a procession is ongoing from Ikeja Underbridge to Alausa, defying orders against street protests.

In Abuja, around 50 protesters have assembled at the entrance of the MKO Abiola Stadium. In Port Harcourt, some demonstrators have chosen to recite the old national anthem as their form of protest.

Members of the “Enough Is Enough” group are also among the protesters, with co-convener Deji Adeyanju noting that security officials have so far been cooperative. The stadium area in Abuja is heavily secured with police and army personnel to ensure safety.