HEAVY CLOUDS of teargas, defiant chants from placard-wielding youths, and police boots pounding pavements—these are the echoes that reverberated across several Nigerian cities on April 7, 2025, as a wave of coordinated nationwide protests tested the limits of civil dissent and state response in Africa’s most populous nation.
What began as a peaceful gathering by the Take-It-Back Movement at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt quickly descended into chaos as police operatives forcefully dispersed the crowd. A similar scene unfolded in Abuja, where demonstrators in Maitama scattered as teargas shells burst in the air.
While Nigeria is no stranger to protests, the scale, tone, and government reaction to these demonstrations reflect a deeper disquiet—one fuelled by political tension in Rivers State, soaring inflation, and mounting disillusionment with governance.
Central to the protest movement is the political stalemate in Rivers State, where a power tussle has left the House of Assembly paralysed and the governor’s authority severely curtailed. Protesters argue that the state is effectively under an “emergency rule”, citing executive actions that allegedly bypass democratic structures.
“Our governor must return to office. We didn’t vote for a sole administrator,” one protester was quoted as saying.
Rivers State, which contributed 8.2% of Nigeria’s GDP in 2021, is not just a political hotspot—it is an economic nerve centre. The state is home to major oil assets and multinational operations, making its political stability a matter of national economic concern.
The protest’s timing also intersects with broader civic frustrations nationwide, especially over allegations of creeping authoritarianism and misuse of security laws.
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Another rallying point for the demonstrators is the controversial Central to the protests is the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, initially enacted to combat online fraud and cyber threats. However, its application has raised concerns among civil society groups, who argue that certain provisions, particularly Section 24, are being used to suppress free speech. The Act criminalises the sending of messages that could cause annoyance, inconvenience, or needless anxiety. Critics contend that this vagueness has led to its misuse against journalists and activists.
A notable case highlighting these concerns involves journalist Daniel Ojukwu, who was arrested in May 2024 under the Cybercrime Act after reporting on alleged financial mismanagement involving a senior government official. His detention drew criticism from international bodies, including Amnesty International, which condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists. The organisation stressed that such actions violate due process and hinder press freedom.
In March 2024, a coalition of six civil society organisations lauded amendments to the Cybercrimes Act but called for further reforms to protect freedom of expression.
They highlighted that while the Act aims to prevent online crimes, its broad provisions have led to the unlawful arrest of individuals for their online expressions. The coalition urged the federal government to amend sections that could be used to unjustly prosecute citizens for exercising their right to free speech
The protesters are demanding a repeal of the law, citing Section 24 as particularly draconian. messages’.
Underlying the political and civil liberties debate is Nigeria’s flailing economy. The inflation rate stood at 31.7% in February 2025, per the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data-the highest in two decades. Food inflation soared even higher, touching 37.2%, pushing millions closer to extreme poverty.
This economic strain has further fueled public dissatisfaction, leading to widespread protests calling for government accountability and relief for the average Nigerian citizen. According to the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report published in October 2024, over 129 million Nigerians, representing 56% of the population, are currently living below the national poverty line. This significant rise from 40.1% in 2018 to 56% in 2024 is largely attributed to factors such as inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies. These economic challenges have intensified public dissatisfaction, leading to widespread protests where demonstrators have been seen carrying placards with slogans like “Let Us Breathe” and “Stop the Repression” in cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
As of the first quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s unemployment rate stood at 5.3%, an increase from 5.0% in the previous quarter. However, this figure may not fully capture the employment challenges facing the nation. Labour economists caution that the unemployment rate does not account for underemployment and job insecurity, particularly among the youth. Notably, youth unemployment stood at 8.4% in Q1 2024, a slight decrease from 8.6% in Q3 2023. Moreover, with over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the persistently high unemployment and underemployment rates among this demographic are of significant concern. These issues are further exacerbated by job insecurity, leading to widespread protests advocating for improved employment opportunities and economic reforms.
Security agencies insist their actions are preemptive. A classified circular from the Lagos Police Command, now publicly circulated, detailed a multi-agency deployment across over 30 protest-prone locations, including Ikeja Underbridge, Lekki Toll Gate, and Marina. The operation drew forces from the Anti-Bomb Squad, Rapid Response Squad, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit.
The Nigeria Police Force described the April 7 protest as “mischievous” and “ill-timed,” especially as it coincided with the National Police Day celebrations. Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi questioned the motive behind synchronising protests nationwide.
Yet, critics argue that the security response—marked by beatings, arbitrary arrests, and the use of teargas—reflects an intolerance for dissent that goes beyond standard crowd control.
The April 7 protests did not emerge from a vacuum. From the 2020 EndSARS movement to recent protests over university fees and fuel costs, Nigeria’s streets have become a barometer of democratic health.
According to a 2024 Afrobarometer survey, 72% of Nigerians feel their country is “heading in the wrong direction,” while only 28% express trust in the federal government. The survey also found that 56% of Nigerians have considered emigrating, with the primary motivations being the search for better job opportunities (42%) and escaping economic hardship (39%).
The Take-It-Back Movement’s mobilisations, though met with repression, signal a citizenry still willing to engage—albeit increasingly frustrated.
