In Nigeria’s economic and political hubs, Lagos and Abuja, large crowds have gathered to protest against skyrocketing living costs and energy prices, marking a significant public outcry on the 64th anniversary of Nigeria's independence.

Many citizens believe that rather than a day of celebration, it is a moment to demand urgent action from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as the country battles unprecedented inflation and economic challenges.

In Abuja, demonstrators converged in the Utako area, waving the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and carrying banners with messages like “EndBadGovernance,” “DiasporaVoting,” and “EndHighLivingCosts.” Similar scenes unfolded in Lagos, where youth activists took over the Ikeja Underbridge area, causing a standstill in traffic. This occurred on a public holiday declared for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations.

In Lagos, Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, led the protest. Speaking to the press at Ikeja Underbridge, Sowore criticized the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and others. He called for the release of individuals detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“We are protesting to demand the immediate release of those being held on false charges, including treason, which carries the death penalty. This extends to Nnamdi Kanu, who we believe is being persecuted for expressing the desire of his people to secede from Nigeria,” Sowore stated. He emphasized the right of people to either remain in or leave Nigeria, calling for a revolution to free the country from what he termed "internal colonialism."

Sowore lamented the state of Nigeria, arguing that the country’s 1960 independence was superficial, labeling it "flag independence" without real autonomy for citizens. “We are calling on Nigerians to start taking actions to gain real independence. This country needs a revolution to liberate Nigerians from the shackles of bad governance,” he added.

Another protester, Adeola Ilori, expressed frustration, stating that there was no reason to celebrate Nigeria’s independence given the current state of the nation. “If there was something to celebrate, I wouldn’t be here protesting. I’m here to let my people know we can bring about change,” Ilori remarked.

In Abuja, security forces sealed off the Eagle Square, a key national site near the National Assembly and Presidential Villa, and dispersed the #FearlessInOctober demonstrators, heightening tensions between protesters and the government. The crackdown, involving police and military personnel, reportedly included the firing of tear gas at protesters gathered in the Utako area.

The October 1, 2024, protest followed closely on the heels of the August #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, with both movements driven by the same concerns—rising energy costs, the removal of petrol subsidies, and increased electricity tariffs.

Critics of President Tinubu’s policies argue that his decisions to end fuel subsidies and unify exchange rates have led to soaring inflation and living costs, exacerbating the country’s economic woes. Since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, petrol prices have skyrocketed from around N200 per liter to over N1,000, and electricity tariffs have quadrupled, impacting both the manufacturing sector and ordinary households.

In his Independence Day broadcast, Tinubu acknowledged the hardship caused by his administration’s reforms but pleaded for patience, assuring Nigerians that steps were being taken to alleviate the high cost of living. He urged citizens to trust the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy.