#Endbadgovernance protest begins in Nigeria

Today marks the beginning of a 10-day protest against hunger and bad governance in Nigeria. The protest, which is gaining momentum, has seen minimal vehicular activity across Lagos and incidents of teargassing protesters in Abuja. There is a heavy presence of security personnel to prevent any breakdown of law and order across the country. Muda Yusuf, Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, recently joined CNBC Africa to discuss the concerns and interventions of the government in response to the ongoing protests. Yusuf pointed out the numerous challenges faced by the Nigerian economy, including high inflation, low growth, unemployment, and past distortions in the energy and foreign exchange sectors. Yusuf highlighted that these reforms have posed significant challenges for businesses and citizens, exacerbating existing issues. In addition, insecurities have heavily impacted food production and oil-producing regions, further complicating matters. He emphasized the need for prompt and effective social responses to these challenges, expressing concern over the potential economic impact of prolonged protests. According to Yusuf, the country stands to lose close to N400 billion Naira daily if the protests are not properly managed, potentially leading to a complete paralysis of the economy. The ongoing protests have disrupted various sectors, with limited economic activities observed across different cities. Yusuf urged the organizers to cooperate with the government and security agencies to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the need to halt the protests to avoid prolonged economic distress. He also discussed the role of sub-national governments in addressing the living conditions within their states. Yusuf stressed that sub-national governments play a crucial role, particularly in food production, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural infrastructure, and connectivity between rural and urban areas. He called for increased accountability from sub-national governments to ensure effective governance and service delivery to the population. The accountability and proactive involvement of sub-national governments are essential in addressing the challenges faced by the country and improving the overall socio-economic conditions. As the protests continue to unfold, the spotlight remains on the government's response and the collaborative efforts needed to navigate the current economic and social landscape in Nigeria. As the situation evolves, stakeholders closely monitor the developments on the ground, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the unrest and a constructive dialogue between the government and the protesters. The coming days will be critical in determining the path forward for Nigeria and the potential reforms necessary to address the deep-rooted issues affecting the nation's stability and prosperity.