Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for a halt to protests over the rising cost of living, urging citizens to allow room for dialogue.
This marks his first public statement since demonstrators began taking to the streets last week.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests on Thursday. Police, however, denied using excessive force and stated that seven people had died as of Saturday.
The casualties included four individuals killed by an explosive device during a march in Borno state, two struck by a car, and one shot by a guard during a shop looting.
In a televised address, Tinubu appealed for an end to the violence that has erupted in several states since the protests began, emphasizing his willingness to engage in dialogue.
“My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens,” he stated.
Nigerians have been using social media to organize protests against economic hardships and poor governance, demanding reductions in petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among other issues.
Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, defended his economic reforms, including a partial rollback of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, as essential steps to address years of economic mismanagement.
He noted that government revenues had more than doubled to 9.1 trillion naira ($5.65 billion) in the first half of this year, with 68% of revenue now allocated to debt servicing, down from 97% before he took office.
The president also highlighted increased government spending on infrastructure projects, a new loan scheme for university students, and the construction of thousands of housing units across Nigeria’s 36 states.
“But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart,” Tinubu cautioned.