Protests in Ilorin over petrol price hike in Nigeria
There were widespread protests in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State on Thursday as citizens came out to express displeasure against the Nigerian government.
The protest was triggered by a sudden and drastic increase in fuel prices. The price of petrol reportedly surged from N550 per liter to as high as N1200 per liter overnight.
This sharp increase has led to widespread discontent among various groups, particularly motorcycle and tricycle operators, who rely heavily on affordable fuel for their livelihoods.
The protests began with gatherings at strategic locations throughout Ilorin, including Taiwo Road, Oloje, and near the Emir’s palace. The protests also spread to Maraba-GSS-Fate Road.
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Participants included not only transport operators but also students from local higher institutions. They expressed their frustration over the rising cost of living exacerbated by government policies that they believe have worsened economic conditions for ordinary citizens.
One protester articulated the sentiment shared by many: “We can’t survive like this. Everything has become too expensive, and now fuel is out of reach.” This statement underscores the urgency felt by those affected by the price hike and their demand for government intervention.
The protests have had a significant impact on daily life in Ilorin. Commuters faced severe disruptions as tricycle operators withdrew their services, leading many to trek long distances to reach their destinations. Major roads were blocked, causing gridlock and halting normal activities within the city. Shop owners along key commercial routes also experienced losses due to reduced foot traffic.
Tricycle operators voiced concerns about their inability to recover costs associated with fuel purchases after a day’s work. One operator noted that they were not even considering making a profit; rather, they were struggling just to cover operational costs.
A protester told Online News that reactions to the petrol price hike was spontenous, “making difficult for the state government to influence its stoppage the way they did during the EndBadGovernance protest.”
Government response
In response to these protests, local authorities have maintained a heavy security presence in strategic areas to prevent any escalation of violence or unrest.
The Senior Special Assistant on Public Transport for Kwara State communicated with protest leaders and expressed hope that normalcy would soon be restored through dialogue.
Governor AbdulRazaq has reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of transport operators and exploring avenues for improving their circumstances amidst these challenging economic conditions.
While the protests in Kwara State are currently localized, there are indications that larger nationwide demonstrations may be planned for October 1st.
Protest leaders in Ilorin have suggested that their actions could serve as a precursor to broader unrest across Nigeria if immediate action is not taken by the federal government regarding fuel prices and related economic issues.
Given these developments, it is clear that the situation surrounding fuel prices in Nigeria is volatile and could lead to further unrest if not addressed promptly.
