Nigerians Set for Mass Protest on June 12 Over Insecurity, Economic Hardship Under Tinubu

A coalition of civil society organisations, led by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has called for a nationwide protest on June 12, Nigeria's Democracy Day, to draw attention to the worsening insecurity, deepening hunger, and economic hardship in the country under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The coalition, which includes labour activists, youth groups, community associations, social movements, and concerned Nigerians, accused the government of failing to protect lives and property, while implementing economic policies that have pushed many Nigerians into poverty. In a statement signed by Falana, musician and activist Falz, activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto, and representatives of organisations such as the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the Joint Action Front, the coalition noted that despite the annual celebration of Democracy Day, millions of Nigerians have little reason to celebrate as communities across the country continue to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime. The coalition expressed solidarity with families affected by insecurity and demanded immediate action to secure the release of Nigerians being held captive by criminal groups in states including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger. The statement read, 'The Nigerian people deserve a pro-people government that places the protection of lives and property at the core of governance.' The coalition also slammed the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, blaming the removal of fuel subsidy, currency devaluation, rising electricity tariffs, and the commercialisation of essential services for the worsening living conditions of Nigerians. According to the coalition, soaring food prices, escalating transportation costs, and the collapse of many small and medium-scale businesses have left millions struggling to survive. The coalition argued that workers' wages remain inadequate in the face of persistent inflation, while citizens continue to bear the burden of rising costs despite increased statutory allocations to all levels of government. The activists and advocates said the June 12 protest would be one of a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to address insecurity and reverse policies described as anti-poor. They called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious groups, trade unions, and community organisations to begin mobilisation ahead of the planned demonstrations. The coalition called for Nigerians to unite in demanding security, economic relief, and improved living standards, declaring, 'Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering.'