In the heart of Lagos, civic excitement enlivened the streets as Omoyele Sowore, the renowned publisher of Sahara Reporters and leader of the “Revolution Now” movement, joined forces with a civil society coalition for a peaceful protest. The mobilization, dubbed “National Survival Day,” was a wake-up call against the precarious living conditions imposed on Nigerians under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Carrying placards with strong messages denouncing social injustice and government indifference, protesters marched through the streets of Lagos, from Underbridge Ikeja to Gani Fawenhmi Freedom Park in Ojota. The voice of the people rang out loud and clear, demanding concrete action to end the misery, poverty and hunger plaguing the country.
The coordinator of the protest in Lagos, Comrade Hassan Taiwo, better known as Soweto, presented a set of clear demands to the administration of President Tinubu. These demands included opposition to the IMF’s neoliberal policies, the return of petrol and electricity prices to their pre-May 2023 levels, the restarting of state-owned refineries to ensure affordable petroleum products, reduction of food prices, the fight against insecurity and terrorism, and the establishment of a national minimum wage of N70,000.
The mobilization brought together no fewer than 27 civil society organizations, all united in a common drive to demand a better quality of life for Nigerians. These organizations include Socialist Labour, Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR), Movement for African Emancipation (MAE), Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) and many others.
Beyond collective action, this day of protest symbolizes the voice of the oppressed who demand justice, equity and dignity. With determination and solidarity, citizens have risen to demand deep and lasting change in the governance of their country. This protest is not only a call to action, but also a symbol of hope for a better future, where the voice of the people will be heard and respected.