Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately initiate dialogue with leaders of the nationwide protests scheduled for October 1, 2024. With Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day looming, tension is rising as citizens prepare to hit the streets in protest against the growing hardship caused by recent government policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.
The CSOs, including the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Transparency International (TI), and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), expressed disappointment in the government’s delay in engaging with the protesters. Speaking through their leader, Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, the groups emphasized the need for peaceful protests but stressed that Tinubu must act on his promise to hold a meaningful dialogue.
Rafsanjani criticized the government for not addressing the root causes of the discontent, particularly the high fuel prices and the continued detention of over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters, many of whom remain imprisoned on treason charges. Despite some protesters being granted bail, the required sum of N10 million for release has left many still in custody.
“The president promised dialogue with the protesters and other stakeholders, but nothing has happened. The government must engage seriously with the issues that led to the August protests to prevent further unrest,” Rafsanjani stated.
He further urged Tinubu to show genuine commitment to resolving the economic struggles Nigerians face, noting that the government’s silence suggests a lack of political will to address these grievances.
Meanwhile, protest leaders have also called for participants to remain peaceful, avoid violence, and refrain from damaging public property.
Varsity Students Oppose Protest, Request CNG Bus Distribution
In contrast to the nationwide protest plans, the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has opposed the demonstrations. NAUS called on the federal government to provide 3,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to universities to help ease the impact of rising fuel prices on students.
At a press briefing in Abuja, NAUS president, Comrade Josiah Oche Peter, urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) to ensure uniform fuel pricing across the country and operationalize the nation’s refineries. He expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s educational reforms and the NELFUND innovation but urged for greater support, particularly for students impacted by high transportation costs.
“NAUS urges university students to refrain from protests. We are committed to engaging in dialogue with authorities to protect the interests of students,” Oche said. He added that protests would only be considered as a last resort if their demands were unmet.
October 1 Protests: Distributes 64 CNG Buses to Workers, Students
As part of efforts to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, the federal government distributed 64 CNG buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This initiative, part of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PCNGi), aims to reduce transportation costs and support the transition to cleaner fuel.
Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasized that this distribution marks the beginning of a larger plan to roll out over 500 CNG buses and 100 electric vehicles nationwide. The initiative is expected to lower fuel costs by offering CNG-powered vehicles that cost significantly less to refuel compared to petrol-powered ones.
“This is a major milestone in the administration’s policies to provide affordable and efficient public transport, which will support Nigerians through the current economic reforms,” Edun said, highlighting that the cost of fueling CNG vehicles is about one-third of petrol vehicles.
Representatives from the TUC, NLC, and NANS applauded the initiative, noting that it will help ease transportation challenges for workers and students. NANS president, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, also praised the government for its student loan scheme and other educational support programs.
October 1 Protests: Security Agencies to Ensure Peaceful Protests
In anticipation of the October 1 protest, security agencies in Nigeria have assured the public that peaceful demonstrations will be allowed. The police have begun deploying officers across strategic locations in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State to maintain law and order.
FCT Police Commissioner Tunji Disu and Lagos State Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola have instructed officers to be professional and civil in handling the protests while ensuring the safety of lives and property. Ishola has also met with the alleged protest organizers as part of proactive measures to ensure peaceful demonstrations in Lagos.
The police urged protesters to remain law-abiding and peaceful throughout the demonstrations.
