In the heart of Nigeria, a country blessed with vast arable land and a dynamic youth population, a paradox of profound proportions is unfolding. The nation, once hailed as a beacon of economic potential in Africa, now grapples with escalating hunger, soaring inflation, and rampant instability. As Nigeria’s landscape deteriorates, the dreams of its people hang in the balance, threatened by the very leaders tasked with guiding them toward prosperity.

The #EndBadGovernance Hunger Protest, now in its intense fifth day, stands as a testament to the frustration and desperation of millions. Initiated in response to a series of crippling economic policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the movement seeks to reclaim the narrative of governance from those who have long neglected it.

The catalyst for this nationwide outcry was President Tinubu’s decision to abruptly remove petrol subsidies on May 23, 2023. This single act sent shockwaves through the economy, propelling the price of food to unprecedented heights and stoking an inflation rate that surged to the highest in nearly three decades. By April 2024, the situation worsened with a staggering 240% increase in electricity tariffs, pushing even the middle class into the throes of economic survival.

But the impact of these policies extends beyond empty wallets and rising cost. It seeps into the homes of every Nigerian, where the basic necessities of life— food, medicine, and security— are increasingly out of reach. The price of petrol, a lifeline for the bustling streets of cities like Lagos and Abuja, has skyrocketed from N172.61 in April 2022 to a stagggering N880 per liter by August 2024.

The economic turmoil has not only stifled the average Nigerian but has also sent ripples through the corporate corridors of multinational firms. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Bayer AG have scaled back their operations, citing the harsh economic climate exacerbated by policy missteps. The security crisis in agricultural regions further compounds the issue, with farmers frequently abducted or caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts, leaving fertile fields fallow and the nation’s food security in peril.

Yet, amidst these economic shocks, the human cost remains the most harrowing. Amnesty International reports at least 13 young Nigerians have died in clashes with police since the protest began. Each death is a stark reminder of the government’s failure to protect its most valuable asset—its people. Critics like human rights lawyer Femi Falana argue that the government’s response has been not only inadequate but also repressive, focusing on silencing dissent rather than addressing the root causes of discontent.

The protesters, united under the slogan “10 Days of Rage,” demand not only the reversal of these debilitating policies but also a fundamental shift in how the country is governed. They call for a government that listens, empathizes, and acts with the urgency that the crises demand.

As Nigeria stands at this critical juncture, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Yet, there is hope. The relentless spirit of its youth and the collective voice of its citizens are powerful forces that can drive change. This protest is not merely a response to economic policy but a clarion call for a reimagined governance structure—one that places human dignity and justice at the forefront of its priorities.

Nigeria’s future hinges on the actions taken at this moment. Will it continue down the path of disparity and disillusionment, or will it seize this opportunity to pivot towards a future where governance is synonymous with growth and compassion? The world watches as Nigeria decides.

Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq., is a distinguished lawyer and minister, currently serving as the President of the Diaspora Alliance, US, and as the Coordinator of the National Rescue Congress. Pastor Ihim can be reached for inquiries, collaborations, or further discussion at +1 (817) 262-8885 or +1 (202) 446-7555. Emails can be directed to nationalrescuecongress@gmail.com