The 10-day #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests in Nigeria, which erupted on August 1, in response to mounting frustrations over hunger, economic hardship and government policies, left a trail of devastation across the country, especially in the North.
These protests, which were said to be peaceful, quickly escalated into violence, leading to loss of lives, injuries, property destruction, and widespread harassment.
The human toll of the protests was huge, with fatalities reported across the country. Reports showed that 18 people were killed in the first few days of the protests, with the majority of these deaths occurring in the northern region.
Thirteen more protesters were killed in the subsequent days of the protest, making the death toll to at least 31. The use of live ammunition by security agents, police in particular resulted in many fatalities, while dozens more sustained injuries from gunshots, tear gas, and physical assaults.
On the first day of the protest, security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Kano, the commercial city of Northern Nigeria, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. In Niger, Jigawa, Borno also recorded deaths on the first day of the protest.
While Kano recorded at least three deaths, in Niger State, security operatives opened fire on protesters who had barricaded the Abuja-Kaduna highway in Suleja, killing at least six and wounding several others.
In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, at least four people were reportedly killed on that day after suspected Boko Haram members infiltrated a protest over the rising cost of living. Thirty-four people sustained injuries in the incident.
In Kaduna, the protest also turned violent, leaving no fewer than three youths dead and many others injured, as a businessman reportedly died in Kebbi after a stray bullet hit him.
In Jigawa, the protest reportedly led to the deaths of two people, with over 10 others injured.
Kano recorded another bloody day as no fewer than 13 people were killed in Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa areas in Fagge Local Government, including women and children following a raid by security operatives two days after the beginning of the protest.
Economic Impacts
The economic impact of the protests was profound. The disruption of business activities, coupled with the destruction of property, resulted in financial losses for both the government and the private owners.
The economic fallout extended beyond the immediate losses, as the protests highlighted the deep-seated issues of poverty, unemployment, and inequality that continue to plague the country. The protests also resulted in extensive property damage across several states.
In Kano, the protesters raided the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) centre which was ready for commissioning and looted properties including computers, chairs, etc.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, protesters targeted government properties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat and the home of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
In Kano, several shopping malls, banks, and retail outlets were looted and destroyed, leading to financial losses for business owners.
Muhammad Sani, the General Manager of Barakat Stores in Kano, told Daily Trust that the losses at their retail outlets were estimated at over ₦5 billion. This figure accounts for the destruction of goods and properties across their various branches, including valuable imports from China and Turkey, which had just arrived before the incident.
Sani described how the store’s security efforts were overwhelmed on the night of the looting, despite their attempts to protect the premises. The incident left over 300 employees across Barakat’s three branches without work, exacerbating the economic impact.
Other businesses also suffered significant losses, with several business owners reporting losses.
In the popular Singer Market, a major wholesale hub for rice, sugar, flour, and other food items, traders reported substantial losses due to the market’s closure.
Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano visited several affected sites and expressed concern over the extent of the damage. Among the destroyed places he visited included Barakat Stores and the Kano Printing Press, a historical institution established in 1938.
The protests also impacted supply chains in other northern states, such as Borno and Yobe. Traders in these states reported that their supplies from Kano and Jos were cut off, adding to the financial losses incurred during the curfews imposed to contain the unrest.
At the Monday Market in Maiduguri, which typically attracts buyers from across the region, traders said the financial impact was profound despite the absence of looting.
In Gombe, the closure of the main market during the protests led to considerable losses for traders with the markets remaining tense even after the protests – many traders hesitant to reopen their shops due to fear of further violence.
In Kwara State, although the security situation was relatively stable, the protests still disrupted business activities. Also in Jos, the Plateau State capital, traders said the protests and subsequent curfews had severely impacted their businesses, making it difficult for them to restock their shops.
In Kaduna, scarcity of essential commodities, including bread and rice, was reported as many shops were either closed or ran out of stock due to the curfew imposed by the state government.
Similar incidents of vandalism and arson were reported in other cities, including Abuja, Kano, and Ibadan, where public buildings, vehicles, and businesses were set ablaze.
The economic disruption was not confined to northern Nigeria. In Lagos, commercial vehicle operators experienced a decline in patronage as people avoided moving around during the protests. The situation was particularly difficult near Freedom Park, one of the protest venues, where business activities were significantly slowed down.
The destruction of property was not limited to government-owned structures. Private businesses were also targeted by hoodlums who hijacked the protests.
Socially, the protests laid bare the frustrations of millions of Nigerians, particularly the youth, who have grown disillusioned with the government’s inability to address widespread hunger and other concerns.
Harassment and Arrests
The government’s response to the protests was swift and often brutal. Security forces were deployed in large numbers across major cities, with orders to disperse the protesters by any means necessary.
This led to widespread reports of harassment, unlawful arrests, and detentions.
Some of the protest organizers and participants were arrested and detained without due process, sparking concerns about human rights violations.
Curfews were imposed in several states, including Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Plateau, and Yobe States in an attempt to quell the unrest. These curfews were enforced with a heavy hand, as security personnel patrolled the streets, often using excessive force to disperse gatherings resulting in more deaths.
The curfew imposed in Kano which stayed for 12 days had a ripple effect beyond the state, as marketers from neighbouring states were unable to access the city to purchase goods. With the city shut down, the disruption in supply chains led to a hike in the prices of commodities across various markets. The shortage of goods, coupled with the increased demand, exacerbated the economic strain on consumers already grappling with rising costs.
In addition, there were reports that the government ordered the slowing down of telecommunications networks in certain areas to limit the spread of information and restrict media coverage of the protests. Several telecom subscribers lamented poor network connectivity during the nationwide protest.
Positive Impact
In response to mounting public pressure following widespread protests, the federal government has decided to commence selling of the crude oil to the Dangote Refinery. This strategic move is seen as an effort to appease Nigerians, particularly the protesters.
The 6500,000 bpd Dangote refinery, the biggest in Africa, is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s oil sector and is poised to meet the country’s domestic fuel needs, reducing dependency on imported fuel. By supporting the refinery, the government aims to ensure a steady supply of affordable petroleum products, also a key demand from protestors who have decried the high cost of living.
