OPINION - Why Protests in Nigeria Rarely Succeed: A Nation Shackled by Its Own Chains

 

For decades, Nigeria has been a land of unfulfilled promises, where the people’s voices rise in protest, only to be drowned out by the unrelenting tide of oppression, poverty, and corruption. From the days of military rule to the modern democratic era, the struggle for justice has remained an uphill battle. Despite passionate demonstrations—ranging from the #EndSARS movement to protests against fuel subsidy removal and the high cost of living—lasting change remains elusive. But why?

1. A Battle for Survival: The Struggle That Overshadows Resistance

The average Nigerian wakes up every day to fight a personal battle for survival. With inflation soaring and unemployment at a record high, many citizens prioritize their daily needs over activism. A taxi driver in Lagos may sympathize with the cause but cannot afford to halt his business for too long. A trader in Kano, though frustrated by government policies, will continue to sell her goods rather than join the crowd on the streets. The pressing need to earn a living forces many Nigerians to adopt a “we move” mentality—adjusting to every hardship rather than resisting it.

2. Corruption: The Silent Killer of Movements

Protests thrive on leadership, organization, and funding, yet in Nigeria, these are easily compromised. Politicians and power brokers are quick to infiltrate and buy off key protest leaders. History is littered with instances where vocal activists suddenly fell silent after closed-door meetings with government officials. Once leaders are compromised, momentum fizzles out, leaving the people disillusioned and betrayed.

3. Divide and Rule: Pitting Citizens Against Themselves

The Nigerian ruling class has mastered the art of division. When protests begin, they are often repackaged along ethnic, religious, or political lines to weaken national unity. What starts as a call for justice soon becomes labelled as an “Igbo agenda” or a “northern conspiracy.” The result? Nigerians turn against each other, fighting internal battles instead of uniting against the real enemy—bad governance.

The #EndSARS movement is a glaring example. Initially, it united Nigerians across tribes and religions in a common cause against police brutality. But soon, government-backed elements infiltrated the protests, painting them as an anti-government plot. Paid thugs were unleashed on peaceful demonstrators, creating chaos and justifying a brutal crackdown.

4. Counter-Protests: A Government Strategy to Weaken Resistance

Another major obstacle to successful protests in Nigeria is the strategic use of counter-demonstrations. Government-backed groups suddenly emerge, staging rallies in support of the very policies that citizens are protesting against. Imagine university students demanding better funding, only to see another set of students, sponsored by the government, chanting praises of the same administration. This deception creates the illusion that the grievances of the people are not widespread, discouraging further participation.

5. Poverty and Hunger: Weapons Against the Masses

A hungry man cannot fight. Poverty remains one of the strongest tools used by the government to suppress protests. Knowing that most Nigerians live in dire economic conditions, those in power distribute money, food, and small incentives to weaken resistance. Protesters who start with high energy often fade away after being offered as little as a bag of rice or a few thousand naira.

6. Fear and Brutality: The State’s Final Blow

Perhaps the most potent tool used to suppress protests in Nigeria is fear. The Lekki Toll Gate Massacre of 2020 remains a painful reminder of the price of dissent. When peaceful protesters are met with bullets, arrests, and intimidation, the will to fight weakens. The government also plants violent elements within protests to instigate riots. Once chaos erupts, security forces swoop in with brute force, silencing the movement and branding protesters as criminals.

7. Lack of Strategic Leadership and Follow-Through

Nigerians are passionate about protests, but many movements lack clear direction and sustainability. A successful protest should have well-defined demands, negotiation strategies, and long-term pressure tactics. Unfortunately, most Nigerian protests start with enthusiasm but fizzle out due to poor coordination. The government, aware of this weakness, simply waits for protesters to grow tired and disperse.

A Nation at a Crossroads

As protests continue to fail, Nigeria inches closer to an era where dissent is crushed before it even begins. Without a radical shift in strategy, the voices of the people may one day be permanently silenced. The question remains: Will Nigerians continue to accept oppression, or will they find a way to break the chains that bind them?