Residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, took to the streets on Monday to express their discontent with the economic challenges gripping the nation. The protest, originating in the Mokola area, was predominantly led by the youth and resulted in the blockage of key roads, including the Mokola under-bridge and Queen Elizabeth Road, causing significant traffic disruptions.

Protesters voiced their concerns, focusing on the escalating cost of food and the overall decline in living standards attributed to widespread inflation affecting the country. Images on social media captured placards with inscriptions such as ‘E bi n pawa’ (We’re hungry), reflecting the palpable frustration of the demonstrators.

In efforts to maintain law and order, armed police officers were deployed to the scene, underscoring the seriousness of the protest. This incident follows similar protests in Minna and Suleja earlier in the month, indicating a growing discontent among the populace with various government policies.

Protesters called on the government to urgently address prevailing economic challenges, emphasizing issues like unbearable inflation, rising prices of gas and fuel, and an overarching sense of economic hardship. This protest in Ibadan aligns with a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s prevailing economic conditions.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a two-day nationwide mass protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, underscoring the widespread discontent and emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate economic challenges. These protests serve as a manifestation of the growing frustration among the populace, highlighting the need for responsive governance to address pressing economic issues.