In the bustling streets of Lagos, a new sound is rising—a sound born from frustration, pain, and a longing for a better future. It is the sound of the forgotten. These are the voices of everyday Nigerians, standing together to demand what their government has long denied them: security, dignity, and a chance to live without fear.
For decades, Nigerians have watched their country’s resources plundered by those in power, leaving millions in poverty. The promise of prosperity has never reached the common people. Instead, they’ve been left with crumbling infrastructure, skyrocketing prices, and insecurity that makes even the most basic tasks—like going to work or sending their children to school—feel like a risk.
Yet, in the face of these overwhelming challenges, a movement is rising. Nigeria’s struggle for change has moved from quiet complaints whispered in homes and market stalls to loud, unified demands shouted in the streets. The recent wave of protests represents a breaking point—ordinary Nigerians, long ignored by those in power, are no longer willing to suffer in silence.
The Forgotten Faces of Nigeria
In cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the faces of the protestors reflect a cross-section of the nation. There is Emeka, an Okada rider, who works 12-hour days but can barely feed his family. There is Zainab, a market trader, whose daily profits have evaporated due to rising prices. There are students, workers, mothers, fathers, the unemployed, and even the elderly—people who have watched their dreams for a better life slowly disappear under the weight of inflation, insecurity, and government corruption.
Nigeria is a nation blessed with vast natural resources, including oil, but for most Nigerians, the wealth of the land remains out of reach. As politicians and elites enrich themselves, the people—those whose voices have been forgotten—struggle to survive. From the north to the south, east to the west, Nigerians are united in their demand for change because the system that was supposed to serve them has long been broken.
The forgotten faces of Nigeria are not just statistics; they are the foundation of the nation. These are the people who keep the economy moving, despite the hardships they face daily. They are the market sellers, the taxi drivers, the schoolteachers, and the farmers. But over the years, they have become invisible to those in power—until now. The growing movement is amplifying their voices, bringing attention to the long-standing injustices they endure.
Inflation and the Cost of Survival
The relentless rise in inflation has been one of the key drivers behind the protests. For many Nigerians, it feels like they are running a race they can never win. Prices are climbing at a rate far beyond the reach of most incomes. Basic food items that were once affordable have become luxuries. A loaf of bread that cost 150 Naira now costs over 700 Naira. Cooking oil, rice, and even clean water are out of reach for many families.
Inflation has turned survival into an impossible challenge. Parents who used to be able to feed their children now face the heart-wrenching choice of which meal to skip. Many families can no longer afford three square meals a day, let alone the basic amenities of life. The rising cost of fuel has not only affected transportation but has also made it impossible for businesses to function. Power outages and fuel shortages have ground many industries to a halt, leading to massive unemployment.
But beyond the economic strain, there is a deeper issue: the Nigerian government’s lack of accountability. The country is rich in natural resources, yet the wealth generated from oil exports seems to vanish into the pockets of the elite, while the majority of the population suffers. This growing inequality has created a sense of betrayal among the people, who can see the prosperity their country is capable of, yet are denied access to it.
Insecurity: Living in Fear
While economic hardship is a constant burden, insecurity has become a nightmare that no Nigerian can escape. Across the country, the threat of violence looms large. Armed banditry, kidnappings, and clashes between herders and farmers have left thousands dead and displaced millions. From the northeast to the southern regions, insecurity is the grim reality for many Nigerian families.
The state of insecurity in Nigeria has reached a crisis point. Travelling between cities has become a risk too dangerous for many, with kidnappings for ransom becoming a common occurrence. Rural communities face attacks from bandits, while cities like Lagos and Abuja struggle with armed robberies and gang violence. People leave their homes in the morning unsure if they will return safely. The lack of police presence—or their refusal to intervene—has left communities vulnerable to constant fear and violence.
But perhaps the most troubling aspect of this insecurity is the complicity of the very forces meant to protect the people. Corruption within the police and security forces has left Nigerians feeling abandoned. Bribery has become the norm—citizens are forced to pay officers to investigate crimes, protect their homes, or even to pass through checkpoints. The police, instead of providing security, have become another arm of oppression, extorting money from citizens who are already struggling.
Corruption: The Rot at the Core
At the heart of Nigeria’s struggles lies corruption—a deep-rooted problem that has plagued the country for decades. From the highest levels of government to local officials, corruption has seeped into every corner of public life. Funds meant for development disappear into private bank accounts, contracts are awarded to cronies, and public services that should benefit all citizens are siphoned off for the benefit of the few.
Corruption is the thread that connects Nigeria’s many challenges—poverty, insecurity, and inequality. It’s the reason why the country’s vast resources do not translate into wealth for the people. It’s why roads remain unpaved, why schools lack basic supplies, and why hospitals are understaffed and underfunded. Corruption has stunted Nigeria’s growth and turned what could be a prosperous nation into one where most of its citizens live in abject poverty.
The protests are as much a cry against this entrenched corruption as they are a demand for basic survival. Nigerians are tired of watching politicians enrich themselves while telling the people to “tighten their belts.” They are tired of promises that never materialise and leaders who speak of development but live in mansions while the rest of the country crumbles.
A Government’s Response: Silence and Force
As the protests have grown, so too has the response from the government—but instead of engaging in dialogue, the authorities have resorted to force. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests have become routine at protest sites. Rather than addressing the root causes of the unrest—unemployment, inflation, and insecurity—the government has attempted to silence the very voices calling for change.
The government’s use of force highlights the disconnect between those in power and the people they are meant to serve. In a functioning democracy, protests should lead to dialogue, a conversation about how to move forward. But in Nigeria, the government’s first response has been repression. This has only fuelled the anger of the protesters, who see their treatment as further proof of the government’s indifference.
However, the protests have also sparked a broader conversation about the need for political reform. Many Nigerians are calling for a complete overhaul of the political system, demanding accountability from their leaders and transparency in governance. The old ways of doing things—where politicians could rely on bribes and fear to maintain power—are being challenged. The people are no longer willing to be passive recipients of whatever scraps of progress trickle down from above.
The Role of Social Media: Amplifying the Struggle
In this digital age, the power of social media cannot be ignored. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have become the voice of the movement, amplifying the struggles of the Nigerian people to a global audience. Hashtags like #EndSARS and #EndCorruption have trended worldwide, bringing international attention to the injustices happening in Nigeria.
Social media has become the great equaliser in this movement. It has allowed ordinary Nigerians to document their experiences, share stories of police brutality, and mobilise protests in real-time. Videos of protests, police crackdowns, and testimonies from victims of corruption and violence have gone viral, galvanising support both at home and abroad. The international community is watching, and that pressure is crucial in holding the government accountable.
However, the government has also recognised the power of social media, and there have been attempts to regulate and control the narrative. Internet blackouts, threats of social media shutdowns, and targeted arrests of influencers are just some of the tactics used to stifle dissent. But despite these efforts, the Nigerian people have found ways to keep their voices heard.
A Unified Call for Change
The protests we are seeing across Nigeria are more than just reactions to short-term pain; they are a unified cry for systemic change. Protesters are no longer just calling for policy fixes—they are calling for justice, accountability, and the end of the corruption that has crippled the nation for decades.
At the heart of this movement is a call for dignity. The people are demanding more than just economic relief; they want a government that listens to them, a system that treats them as citizens with rights, not just statistics to be ignored. They want to be seen, to be heard, to have their basic human rights respected. The voices of the forgotten are now impossible to ignore.
What Comes Next?
As the protests grow, the government’s response will determine Nigeria’s future. Will those in power listen to the cries of the people and finally address the root causes of this crisis—corruption, injustice, and insecurity? Or will they continue to rely on force to silence those who dare to demand more?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For the protesters, this is not just about surviving today—it’s about building a future where they can thrive, where their children can live in peace, where the wealth of the country is shared fairly among all its citizens. It is about rewriting the story of Nigeria, from a land of broken promises to a nation of hope and possibility.
Nigeria’s struggle for change is far from over. But with every protest, every voice raised in the streets, the message becomes clearer: the people will not be silenced. The voices of the forgotten are now louder than ever, and they are demanding a Nigeria that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.
Conclusion
As Nigeria stands at the crossroads, we must listen to these voices. We must amplify their message. Change will not come easily, but it is possible. The Nigerian people, united and determined, are showing the world that they will not give up until they achieve the justice and equality they deserve.
The struggle is real, the pain is deep, but the spirit of the people remains unbroken. Their fight is our fight. Their future is our future. Let us stand with them, for a Nigeria where no one is forgotten