Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, revealed that the country lost over N300 billion during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August ¹. Shettima made this statement on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa while handing over minors involved in the protests to their state governors.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, 2024, were sparked by the rising cost of living and the quest for good governance in Nigeria ¹ ². Citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the economic hardship caused by President Bola Tinubu’s administration through mass mobilization and street protests.
The protests turned violent, resulting in the arrest and detention of hundreds of protesters, including minors, who endured mistreatment in prison facilities for over three months ². However, an Abuja Federal High Court struck out treason charges against 119 Nigerians, including minors, on Tuesday.
Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the case following an application by M.D. Abubakar, counsel for the Attorney-General of the Federation ¹. According to Shettima, the protesters’ release was due to President Tinubu’s mercy.
Shettima urged the young protesters not to allow themselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property ¹. He emphasized that the president’s decision to release them was an opportunity for them to become responsible citizens and contribute positively to Nigeria’s growth.
The protests resulted in significant losses, primarily due to damage to private property and business disruptions ¹. The N300 billion loss underscores the economic impact of the protests on Nigeria.
The #EndBadGovernance protests were a response to Nigeria’s growing economic hardship, particularly the rising cost of living and record inflation ². Experts link the crisis to economic reforms implemented by President Tinubu’s administration.
In response to the protests, various government officials, including President Tinubu, announced measures to financially support young people ². However, the protests continued, with demonstrators demanding better governance and economic reforms.
