Nigeria: Anti-government protest in Lagos June 12

Event

Civil society groups led by the popular Nigerian singer Charles Oputa (also known as Charly Boy) are set to stage an anti-government protest in Lagos on Monday, June 12, to denounce what they view as the government’s poor handling of the current economic crisis. Two coinciding protests are scheduled to start at 08:00 (local time) at the intersection of the Oworonshoki and Third Mainland Bridge roads, and at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in the Ojota district. Traffic disruptions are likely in both areas, as well as along the road connecting the Maryland and Ikeja neighborhoods.

Context

Protests are not rare in Nigeria, especially since the fall in global oil prices; as the largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, the drop in prices has significantly impacted Nigeria's economy. The economy has entered into an official recession, with inflation rates at their highest levels since 2011. Electricity, transportation, and food prices have drastically increased and Nigeria’s currency, the naira, has fallen in value substantially against the US dollar.

Advice

Travelers are advised to avoid the area of the demonstrations as clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are to be expected in the vicinity of the protests.

Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.