A broad coalition of civil society organisations, labour groups, youth movements and community associations has announced plans for a nationwide protest on June 12, citing worsening insecurity and the growing economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
The planned demonstrations will coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations and are intended to draw attention to rising cases of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, inflation and the increasing cost of living.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, the coalition said many Nigerians have little reason to celebrate democracy while insecurity continues to claim lives and economic conditions push more families into hardship.
Among those who signed the statement are human rights lawyer and Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana, activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President Yinka Folarin, and several leaders of civil society and grassroots organisations. Musician and activist Falz also endorsed the call.
The coalition expressed concern over the continued attacks on communities across the country, saying many Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced or traumatised while government efforts to tackle insecurity have failed to produce the desired results.
The groups called for urgent action to secure the release of people currently held captive in several states, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger.
“The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” the statement said.
According to the coalition, despite repeated assurances from authorities, many communities remain vulnerable to attacks, schools are still under threat, farmers struggle to access their farmlands and several highways remain unsafe for travellers.
The groups also painted a bleak picture of the economy, arguing that soaring fuel prices, naira depreciation, higher electricity tariffs and the rising cost of essential goods and services have deepened poverty across the country.
They noted that food prices continue to rise sharply, transportation costs have become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens to bear, and many small businesses are struggling to survive because of high operating costs and unstable power supply.
The coalition further said workers’ incomes have failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving many households under severe financial pressure.
It described the June 12 protest as part of a broader campaign to compel the government to address the security crisis and adopt policies that will ease the burden on citizens.
The organisers called on workers, students, traders, artisans, professionals, religious organisations and community groups to participate in the demonstrations across the country.
“The time has come for Nigerians to speak with one voice and demand security, dignity and a decent standard of living,” the coalition said.
“Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering.”
