Nigeria’s protest history from 1999 - 2023: Timeline of Major Protests in Nigeria

 Nigeria’s protest history from 1999 - 2023: Timeline of Major Protests in Nigeria

Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, the nation has experienced numerous protests demanding better governance, social justice, and economic reforms. These protests have significantly shaped Nigeria’s political landscape, reflecting the citizens' resilience and determination to hold their leaders accountable and address systemic issues.

1999 – 2009

1. 2000 – Sharia Law Protests: The introduction of Sharia law in some northern states led to protests and violent clashes.
2. 2003 – Anti-Fuel Hike Protests: Labour unions organized widespread protests against the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.
3. 2005 – Occupy Nigeria (Early Protests): Early protests against corruption and poor governance.
4. 2007 – Electoral Protests: Protests erupted against the alleged rigging of the presidential elections won by Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

2010 – 2015

5. 2010 – Anti-Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests: Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies, which led to increased fuel prices.
6. 2012 – Occupy Nigeria: Massive nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies, which significantly increased the cost of living.
7. 2014 – #BringBackOurGirls: A global movement and protests followed the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State.

2016 – 2020

8. 2016 – Biafra Agitations: Protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the secession of the Southeast region.
9. 2017 – Anti-Buhari Protests: Protests demanding President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation due to prolonged medical leave abroad.
10. 2018 – NLC Protests: Strikes and protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) demanding an increased minimum wage.
11. 2020 – #EndSARS Protests: Nationwide protests against police brutality, specifically the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which received significant international attention and led to the disbandment of SARS by the Nigerian government.

2021 – Present

12. 2021 – #EndSARS Memorial Protests: Memorial protests marking the one-year anniversary of the #EndSARS movement.
    
13. 2022 – ASUU Strike Protests: Protests and strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over unpaid allowances and inadequate funding of the education sector.
14. 2023 – Fuel Subsidy Removal Protests: Protests against the removal of fuel subsidies by the new administration of President Bola Tinubu, leading to increased fuel prices and cost of living.

It is currently widely reported that Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, against hunger and hardship resulting from economic policies and subsidy removal under President Bola Tinubu. Additionally, recent bans by network providers on millions of subscribers over the weekend have sparked protests in major cities such as Lagos, Osogbo, Oyo, and Niger.

This timeline provides an overview of the significant protests in Nigeria over the past two decades, highlighting key events and underlying causes driving these collective actions.