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Protests have kicked off in Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos, inspired by the recent demonstrations in Kenya, with young Nigerians voicing their concerns over economic hardships and demands for governmental accountability. 

Many demonstrators were heard shouting: “We’re hungry.” The protest movement, like the Kenyan one, started off on Twitter with the hashtag #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria, gaining traction. 

Nigerians are struggling with a 40% increase in food prices and a threefold rise in fuel costs following reforms introduced by Tinubu. Hashtags like #EndPoverty and #FixNigeriaNow have been used to highlight the country’s economic challenges and call for urgent reforms. These hashtags help unify the protestors’ message and make it easier for international observers and the media to follow the developments.

“Nigerian Youths, Are You Ready for Tomorrow? Drop the protest hashtag #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria under the comments section, and let us know you are ready,” said Peter Obi during an X Space.

Influencers and celebrities are playing a significant role in amplifying protest messages on social media. Many Nigerian celebrities have large followings on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

By lending their voices to the cause, they are drawing attention to the issues and mobilize their followers. This celebrity endorsement is not only helping in raising awareness but also in legitimizing the protests, making it harder for the government to dismiss them as fringe movements.

“Today, I stand with the Nigerian people in the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protest, raising our voices against the untold hardship imposed by the present APC government. As a proud member of the TAKE-IT-BACK movement and a candidate for the forthcoming #edo2024 elections, I fully,” said Oberaifo Udoh on X Spaces.

Nigerians are also using TikTok to express their frustration over the high cost of living and rising food prices. On a TikTok channel called Characters, a woman is seen lamenting, “We have endured so much suffering. Now, garri costs 2000 Naira. We must come out in large numbers to protest. “Nigerian women have been spotted holding empty pots while protesting, symbolizing the widespread hunger in the country.

Social media has revolutionized how Nigerians engage with politics and social issues. It is providing a space for free expression, often bypassing traditional media channels that may be restricted or biased. The accessibility and reach of social media is allowing for real-time communication, making it an ideal platform for organizing protests and advocacy campaigns.

Nigeria has a large and diverse social media user base. As of January 2023, the country had 31.6 million active social media users. WhatsApp is the most popular platform, and it is used by nearly 95 percent of users. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are also among the most widely used social media platforms in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has occasionally attempted to regulate or suppress social media use, particularly during periods of intense protest activity. There have been instances of internet shutdowns and attempts to pass legislation that could restrict online freedom. Despite these challenges, social media remains a powerful tool for mobilization and advocacy.

In response to the government’s attempts to curb social media use, activists have developed strategies to circumvent restrictions. These include using virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet shutdowns and organizing information campaigns to educate citizens about their digital rights.

The use of social media in Nigerian has increased the visibility of local issues on the global stage, attracting international support and scrutiny. Social media has also empowered ordinary citizens, giving them a platform to hold the government accountable and demand change.

Moreover, the digital nature of these movements has fostered a sense of solidarity among Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora. It has allowed diverse voices to come together, share experiences, and work towards common goals.

One of the most notable examples of social media-driven protests in Nigeria is the #EndSARS movement. The hashtag #EndSARS, which stands for “End Special Anti-Robbery Squad,” began trending in October 2020. The movement called for the disbandment of the SARS unit, a notorious police division accused of brutality, extortion, and extrajudicial killings.

Social media played a critical role in the movement’s success. Activists and everyday Nigerians used Twitter and Instagram to share stories of police abuse, coordinate protest locations, and disseminate information.

The movement’s decentralized nature, enabled by social media, allowed for widespread participation across the country and even garnered international support. Global figures and organizations also joined the conversation, further amplifying the movement’s reach.

Another significant example is the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which began in 2014 following the abduction of 276 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The hashtag #BringBackOurGirls quickly went viral, drawing global attention to the plight of the kidnapped girls and putting pressure on the Nigerian government to act. The campaign’s success was largely attributed to its ability to mobilize people worldwide, including celebrities and political leaders, who used the hashtag to demand action.

In January 2012, Nigerians took to social media to protest the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, leading to a significant increase in fuel prices. The hashtag #OccupyNigeria became a rallying cry for the movement, which saw massive street protests across the country. Social media platforms were instrumental in organizing and sustaining these protests, providing updates, and coordinating efforts despite attempts by authorities to control the narrative.