Democracy Day Protest In Lagos: Hunger, Hardship, And The New Nigerian Resistance

By Sediq Mutari – June 12, 2025

Introduction: When Celebration Meets Frustration

Democracy Day in Nigeria is meant to be a celebration—a moment of pride in the country’s journey from military rule to civilian governance. But in 2025, what should have been a festive day in Lagos turned into a powerful scene of resistance. Dozens of Nigerians took to the streets under the Ikeja Underbridge, not with joy, but with anger—protesting the rising cost of living, poor economic policies, and a government they feel has failed to listen.

Why Lagos Is Boiling Over

The protest didn’t come out of nowhere. Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023, Nigeria has undergone a series of economic “reforms” that have left millions of citizens struggling to survive.

Key policies like:

• The removal of fuel subsidies,

• The floating of the naira, and

• Increased electricity tariffs,

…were touted as bold and necessary steps to fix Nigeria’s broken economy. But on the ground, these reforms have meant skyrocketing prices, unstable currency rates, and daily hardship for ordinary citizens.

What Happened in Lagos Today?

This morning, protesters—mostly youth and civil society activists—gathered beneath the Ikeja Underbridge in central Lagos. Despite a strong security presence, the protests remained peaceful, with participants holding signs that read:

• “Reverse Electricity Tariff Hike”

• “We’re Hungry, Not Criminals”

• “No One Deserves a Death Sentence for Protesting Against Hunger”

The Lagos State Police confirmed the protest, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, assuring citizens that adequate security was in place and that there was “no cause for alarm.”

What This Means: A Democracy Under Pressure

The choice to protest on Democracy Day is no accident. It’s a powerful statement: What good is democracy if the people it serves are starving? Nigeria’s democracy may have matured on paper, but the realities on the streets tell a different story—one of economic inequality, frustration, and distrust in leadership.

President Tinubu’s administration insists the hardship is temporary and necessary for long-term growth. But critics—and increasingly, the masses—say it’s out of touch with the people’s pain.

Conclusion: What Comes Next?

Today’s protest in Lagos is likely a preview of what’s to come. The government may see this as an isolated event—but in reality, it reflects a nationwide mood. Nigerians are demanding not just democratic process, but democratic results: affordable food, stable electricity, job opportunities, and dignity.

Democracy Day 2025 has sent a clear message: The people are watching. The people are hurting. And the people are ready to speak out.

Stay updated. Stay informed. And most importantly—stay engaged.

What’s your take on today’s protest? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.