Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Palestinian shot and killed by IOF east of Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Occupation forces opened machine gun fire toward outskirts of Aitaroun as locals headed for olive harvest.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone drops bomb at outskirts of town of Blida as people head for olive harvest.
Israeli media: Rafah crossing was not opened as planned, and no date has yet been set for the resumption of movement through it.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro: There will be no change in diplomatic relations with Israel until it complies with the agreements.
Maduro: We say to the people of the United States that we do not want war in the Caribbean or in South America.
Maduro: The sadists in America believe they can issue orders for the world to follow, that they rule while others must adapt. But the first to know this is false are the American people themselves.
Caracas: US maneuvers seek to legitimize regime change and seizure of Venezuelan oil resources.
Caracas: The announced US military deployment in the Caribbean region constitutes a policy of aggression and a threat against Venezuela.
Venezuela: We reject Trump's statements allowing US intelligence agencies to operate in Venezuela.

Nationwide protests in Nigeria broken up by police

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 1 Aug 2024 15:42
4 Min Read

Nigeria had prepared for widespread protests over the rising cost of living amid soaring inflation and a devalued currency.

Listen
  • x
  • People buy food at a market in Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, July. 31, 2024 (AP(
    People buy food at a market in Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, July. 31, 2024. (AP)

Nigerian police fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse several hundred protesters rallying against the soaring cost of living in the northern city of Kano and in the capital city, Abuja.

In Kano, the country's second-largest city, demonstrators attempted to light bonfires outside the state governor's office. Police intervened with tear gas, forcing most protesters to retreat, according to an AFP correspondent on the scene.

Similar scenes unfolded in Abuja, where security forces also used tear gas to break up crowds in Mararaba on the city's outskirts and in the central area, as reported by an AFP journalist.

Authorities had issued warnings about potential violence, drawing parallels to recent demonstrations in Kenya that compelled the government there to revoke new taxes.

Africa's most populous nation is grappling with surging inflation and a sharply devalued currency (naira). These economic challenges have been exacerbated by reforms aimed at an economic revival introduced a year ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, these measures have led to a 40% increase in food prices and a tripling of fuel costs, straining the financial stability of many Nigerians.

Nigeria heavily dependent on imports

The challenge is that the country is also heavily dependent on imports to meet the daily needs of its citizens, so external shocks like the parallel foreign exchange market which determines the price of goods and services affect the country easily.

Related News

Former DRC president rallies opposition in Kenya against DRC govt

Africa leads world tourism growth in early 2025, UN reports

Nigeria also relies on crude oil exports, which was witnessed when crude prices plummeted in 2014, and the country resorted to foreign reserves to stabilize the naira, subsidized fuel via scarce external reserves, and restricted dollar access in the official market for importers of certain items, which led to a rise in food prices.

Despite government pleas for patience to allow the reforms to take effect, many Nigerians are determined to take to the streets in major cities from Lagos to the capital, Abuja.

Government officials have been urging young activists to avoid rallies and allow time for the economic measures to bear fruit—though the extent of support for the protests remains uncertain, as many citizens are preoccupied with day-to-day survival.

In an effort to mitigate economic hardships, the Nigerian government has announced several relief measures, including raising minimum wage levels, distributing grains to various states, and providing aid to the most vulnerable. "

Still, Nigeria's bound to have a good few years ahead. A report issued by Nigeria’s government and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) stated last year that by 2050, energy needs will be met in Nigeria as renewable energy sources account for nearly 60% of final energy consumption if the African nation enforces an “increased renewable uptake scenario." 

With that, fuel supply on the continent could face major transformations this year, as West Africa is already the hub of the largest refining capacity on the sub-continent, but only 23% of it is functioning. 

The government of President Tinubu recognizes the right to peaceful protest, but caution and vigilance should be our watchwords," stated George Akume, Secretary to the Federation of Government, in a press briefing. "Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue, and collaboration."

Nigeria's current wave of protests coincides with political unrest in Kenya, where President William Ruto recently had to retract new taxes and appoint a new cabinet following weeks of anti-government demonstrations.

Similarly, in Uganda, authorities arrested dozens of individuals participating in anti-corruption protests inspired by Kenya's rallies.

  • Nigeria
  • Nairi
  • Abuja
  • Kenya
  • inflation

Most Read

Iran strikes secret Israeli-US bunker under Tel Aviv high-rise

Tel Aviv high-rise struck by Iran hid Site 81, secret US-Israeli base

  • Politics
  • 14 Oct 2025
Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jaafarawi in an undated image in Gaza, occupied Palestine (Social media)

Gaza Palestinian journalist Saleh al-Jafarawi killed by collaborators

  • Politics
  • 12 Oct 2025
drop site

New report details extensive Israeli arson in Gaza after ceasefire

  • Politics
  • 13 Oct 2025
Illustration of fists breaking shackles, representing the liberation of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. (Illustrated by: AL Mayadeen English/Batoul Chamas)

4 prominent Palestinian detainees to be freed: Who are they?

  • Palestine
  • 13 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Members of the media wait for Palestinian prisoners and injured at the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Rafah crossing to reopen for travelers from Gaza: Reuters

US President Donald Trump speaks during an event in the Oval Office at the White House, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Washington (AP)
Politics

'Israel' may resume Gaza war if Hamas breaches ceasefire, Trump says

Mourners attend the funeral of slain captive Captain Daniel Peretz at Mt. Herzl military cemetery in occupied al-Quds, Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam Brigades hand over all living Israeli captives

Armored vehicles drive through a street during a government-organized march in support of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 (AP)
Politics

US approves covert CIA action in Venezuela: Reports

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS