Amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, protesters on Friday took to the streets of Lagos to demand urgent government action to address the country’s mounting security and socio-economic challenges.
The demonstrators, who marched under the #EndBadGovernance banner as part of the June 12 Democracy Day commemoration, called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to take decisive steps to tackle rising violence, unemployment, inflation, and the soaring cost of living.
The protest attracted civil society groups, activists, and concerned citizens, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
Organisers said the timing of the demonstration was deliberate, explaining that Democracy Day offered an opportunity to remind leaders of the need for accountability and responsive governance amid growing public frustration over economic conditions.
According to them, many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, high transportation costs, declining purchasing power, and widespread insecurity, which they said have continued to erode the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
During the peaceful protest, demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as “Free All Captives Now,” “End Anti-People Policies Now,” and “For a Living Wage and Mass Creation of Employment.”
The protesters insisted that government must implement policies that would improve security, create jobs, reduce the cost of living, and protect the welfare of citizens.
Meanwhile, security operatives were observed at the protest venue to monitor the demonstration and ensure that law and order were maintained.