On Thursday, September 26, the organizers of the upcoming October 1 nationwide protest wrote to the Nigerian Police to request adequate security for their members.
In a joint statement from groups including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria), they emphasized the need for a peaceful demonstration against “anti-poor policies.”
Hassan Soweto, national coordinator of the ERC, urged all Nigerians to join the protest, which will kick off at 7:30 AM at the Ikeja under bridge in Lagos. Participants will march through various streets to raise awareness about their concerns.
The organizers specifically requested that Olanrewaju Ishola, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, ensure the safety of the participants. “We inform the Commissioner of Police of our planned October action and remind the Police of their obligation to provide adequate security for citizens participating in public meetings, rallies, and protests,” they stated.
The protest is being described as a “National Day of Survival,” calling on citizens to unite against the difficult living conditions caused by recent government policies. The organizers pointed out that many of their previous demands, made during the “ten days of rage” in August, remain unaddressed.
They expressed their frustration about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions, saying, “While people are struggling, the government is spending on luxury cars and planes.” They highlighted a recent hike in fuel prices, which now ranges from N900 to N1900 per liter, a steep increase from less than N200 per liter two years ago. This price surge has made life more challenging for many families, leading to rising food costs and inflation that affects the minimum wage.
The statement also mentioned that numerous businesses are struggling, with many multinational companies leaving Nigeria, resulting in job losses.
The organizers are encouraging all Nigerians, including workers, students, youth, and traders, to join the peaceful protest. They aim to highlight the hardships caused by policies related to fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and other economic issues.
Additionally, they are calling for the release of all protesters detained during the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance movements, as well as journalists, activists, and others who have faced state repression.
