Nonviolent Resistance in Nigeria
Nigeria is an emerging global power with a high level of inequality, some resulting conflict is shown here as met with nonviolent action
Regions
Biafra
The southeast region of Nigeria looks to become its own separate country again, after the Republic of Biafra was a partially recognized succession state from 1967–1970.
Nigeria's separatist protests are reminders of Biafran war (abc News, 4/1/2022)
There is a campaign underway by separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), asking residents to cease work activities and stay home on Mondays.
Northern Women Stage Protest to Demand Biafran Referendum (THISDAY, 6/5/2021)
Nigerian women’s group, Amalgamation of Northern Women Associations, stage a protest in Abuja to demand a referendum and resolve the agitation.
The Oduduwa Republic being sought by the Yoruba people
The southwest region is largely comprised of Yoruba people who seek the region’s separation from Nigeria, citing social, political, and economic underdevelopment.
Yoruba leaders storm Ibadan, demand Oduduwa Republic (DAILY POST, 4/17/2021)
Thousands of protestors occupy the streets and at Map Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Gender
Nigerian women mark day with ‘mother of all protests’ over gender bills (The Guardian, 3/8/2022)
For International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th a demonstration was held at the National Assembly, urging federal lawmakers to reconsider gender bills previously rejected which would provide women legal, financial, and economic protection and opportunity. 2022’s IWD is themed as Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow due to the benefit of having more female perspective in decision making positions.
BREAKING: Nigerian Women Protest At National Assembly Complex Over Rejection Of Gender Bills (Sahara Reporters, 3/2/2022)
Protesters condemn lawmakers for voting against proposed gender bill which would provide special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, and related matters.
#BringBackOurGirls Marks 7 Years Of Advocacy For The #ChibokGirls And Other Victims Of Abduction(#BringBackOurGirls, 4/29/2021)
A statement released by the movement at the seven-year mark of 276 schoolgirls being abducted. The group calls on President Buhari to act on the girl’s return, inviting participants to an online event for ‘Citizens Engagement: The Journey of #BringBackOurGirls movement.’
Queer Nigerians stage defiant protest as government tries to ban ‘crossdressing’ (PinkNews, 5/3/2022)
Around 50 LGBT+ activists protest in Abuja, Nigeria, against an early stage bill that would prohibit “crossdressing” in private and public spaces, further affecting the welfare of the community. Protestors advocate for their rights through expressive colors, decorative masks, and dance.
Fair Elections
Nigeria: Civil Society Groups Protest Against Buhari's Delay to Sign Electoral Bill (allAfrica, 2/23/2022)
Two days before the Electoral Act Bill was approved by President Buhari, helping prevent electoral rigging, over 20 groups joined in protest at the Unity Fountain, Maitama in Abuja. Groups included many under the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (CSOs), plus others and individuals living with disabilities.
As Nigeria approaches the next elections, journalists are increasingly under threat (Reuters, 4/26/2022)
With press freedom declining and more journalists beaten and killed, activists and local unions are fighting against impunity.
Police and Governance Violence, EndSARS Movement
#EndSARS movement against police violence in Nigeria (Harvard Human Rights Journal, 11/12/2020)
The #EndSARS movement emerged on social media in 2018 to demand the disbandment of the country's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), known for committing brutal acts of police violence against civilians, including extrajudicial killings. It has grown into a wider social justice movement to tackle greater problems of governance and violence.
Nigeria's youth finds its voice with the EndSARS protest movement (CNN, 10/25/2020)
A massive march grew over a two-week span from the Nigerian youth led EndSARS movement. Traction has been gained for the movement to end police violence, which has grown to include greater human and civil rights violation issues, through keeping a decentralized leadership structure, celebrity participation, and support from a feminist coalition—raising funds, and coordinating protestor medical support after the marches’ impact was met with violence.
Again, another #Endpolicebrutality protest rocks Osun (Blueprint, 4/8/2022)
Another protest against police brutality came about after the alleged killing of an Osun businessman, and the protest caught the attention of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Together they stood in solidarity, showcased signs, and barricaded roads for hours.
Education Sector
Tertiary education in Nigeria is a long-standing conflict causing repeated disruptive strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who seek to obtain appropriate levels of support from the government. Most Nigerians agree with ASUU. However, students are caught in the middle, and advocate for their educational and economic needs under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
Nigeria Teachers Union Extend School Strike Over Pay (VOA, 3/14/2022)
ASUU extends their strike an additional two months to have the government deliver on agreed-upon benefits, including sufficient salary increases.
Nigerian University Professors are on Strike Again, but the Education Sector’s Crisis Transcends the Ivory Tower (Council on Foreign Relations, 3/2/2022)
ASUU decides yet another strike is necessary after speaking with various pressure groups and interested parties, working towards appropriate funding, autonomy, and freedom from the government.
#EndASUUStrike: Nigerian students protest against ongoing ASUU strike (Nairametrics, 5/5/2022)
A fallout between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government has students caught in the middle. Some at risk of aging out of reaching civil service employment before age 30, online and offline protests have snowballed into an online movement called #endASUUStrike, asking those unable to protest to retweet posts.
Strike: NANS begins daily protest in Abuja (Vanguard, 3/29/2022)
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) begins daily protest in Abuja in response to the ASUU strike, with students mobilizing at Unity Fountain with a plan to continue daily protests. Non-teaching staff commence a two-week warning strike, shutting down the entirety of the university system.
Nigerian students vow to continue with protest until ASUU strike ends (PREMIUM TIMES, 2/28/2022)
Students, under NANS, kick off nationwide protest against the continued ASUU strike, protesting from the Unity Fountain in Abuja to the federal ministry of education, demanding to see the minister of education and planning to continue protest until lecturers return to the classroom.
Religion
"We are not terrorists!": More than 700 Nigerian priests peacefully protest at the funeral of the priest killed in Kaduna (Agenzia Fides, 7/1/2022)
In the wake of priest killings, and a sentiment that Nigerians live in constant fear of violence, priests peacefully protest walking the streets together with signs stating that the government should protect Nigerians.
Nigerian Christians Protest Deborah’s Death (Christianity Today, 5/25/2022)
Nigerian Christians protest the death of Deborah Samuel, a Sokoto university student killed by a mob after being accused of blasphemy, demanding an end to sectarian killings.
Other Professional
Doctors in Nigeria strike over wages (NIH, 11/20/2004)
Resident doctors in Nigeria's public hospitals threaten to go on strike indefinitely if the government fails to meet their demands about wages.
Nigeria’s court strike paralyses underfunded justice system (Lawstreet Journal, 5/26/2021)
Court workers are striking and paralysing the justice system, seeking monetary autonomy for courts as an alternative of relying on the frequently corrupt system of funding from state governors.
Nigeria: Striking workers protest outside National Assembly Complex, Abuja, June 6 (Crisis24, 6/6/22)
Economic
Nigerians protest at removal of fuel subsidy (BBC,1/3/2012)
Marches and street and petrol station blockages mark demonstrations against the removal of a fuel subsidy that led to the increase in petrol prices.
General
Youths Protest, Barricade Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Channels Television, 4/4/422)
Youths protest, obstructive traffic and carrying signage for Religious leaders and politicians, seeking a better Nigeria.