Protests Erupt in Nigeria During Independence Day

On Nigeria's 64th independence anniversary, widespread protests erupted against economic hardships, with citizens demanding better job opportunities and accountability from the government. The protests were marked by confrontations with police, who used tear gas to disperse crowds in various states, including the capital, Abuja. President Bola Tinubu defended his administration's reforms, which he claimed attracted USD 30 billion in foreign investment but also contributed to soaring inflation and a weakened naira. Many Nigerians expressed despair over the country's economic situation, leading to the revival of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement. Despite calls for patience from leaders amidst ongoing challenges like insecurity and rising poverty, the protests highlighted the discontent over the perceived failure to address critical issues. Analysts and activists emphasized the urgent need for reforms in education and health to lay a foundation for national progress.