Nigeria: Civil society protest in Abuja September 13

Event

Two civil society groups, Election Monitor and the Movement for Transparent Elections, are planning to stage a protest in Abuja on Thursday, September 13, to denounce the delay in passing the 2019 general elections budget. Protesters are expected to gather at 08:00 (local time) at Unity Fountain, before marching to the National Assembly building. Transportation disruptions are likely along the march route.

Context

General elections are scheduled to take place on February 16, 2019. Civil society groups are demanding that the elections budget is passed on or before September 18.

Advice

Individuals in Abuja are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of associated violence, plan alternative transportation routes, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

In general, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly challenging in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping.