Nigeria: Lagos police warn against unauthorized protests

Event

The Lagos state police issued a statement on Sunday, March 18, warning residents against holding unauthorized protests. Police officials said that civil society groups must obtain the required permits to stage a demonstration and groups that do not will be dispersed by security forces. According to the Lagos police, disruptive elements claiming to be civil rights activists are planning to block the Third Mainland Bridge in the city of Lagos to protest the increase in the Land Use Charge; however, it is unclear when this protest was expected to take place or whether it will still be carried out. On Monday, March 19, the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) voted to conduct further protests against the Land Use Charge, but likewise did not announce when such demonstrations would take place. Demonstrations in Lagos are possible in the coming days and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The NBA and other civil society organizations oppose an increase in the Land Use Charge that is currently being debated by the Lagos state assembly. Lawyers claim that if the new taxes are passed, the fees for filing litigation will significantly increase to the point of preventing citizens with small claims from being able to afford presenting their cases in court. The group also claims that other state fees, such as land use and car registration, will increase by 300 to 400 percent.

Advice

Individuals in Lagos are advised to monitor developments to the situation, plan alternative routes for road travel, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.