Thousands of Nigerians thronged the streets of Abuja on Friday in a nationwide protest demanding an end to social and institutional poverty, as well as urgent government action to tackle the soaring cost of living.
The peaceful demonstration, themed “End Social and Institutional Poverty,” took place simultaneously in Lagos, Yola, Yobe, Nasarawa, and several other states. In Abuja, protesters began their march from the Labour House, proceeding to the Federal Ministry of Finance before returning to their starting point.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Empty Pots, Empty Promises—We Can’t Cook Hope!” and “President Tinubu, We Cannot Eat Promises—Feed Us with Justice and Good Governance!”, participants decried the worsening economic hardship across the country.
The rally also marked the formal launch of the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON)—a coalition advocating systemic reform and citizen empowerment. The protest coincided with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, said poverty in Nigeria persists because of fiscal mismanagement, illicit financial flows, and lack of transparency. “Nigeria loses an average of $18 billion annually through illicit financial flows, making it Africa’s highest contributor,” Mamedu stated. “We call for a National Poverty Summit to harmonize policies into a single, binding National Action Plan for food security and poverty eradication.”
Mamedu also urged greater civil society involvement in monitoring poverty-alleviation programmes, noting that citizens were being excluded from the disbursement and audit of public funds.
Other demands included:
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Independent appointment of the INEC Chairman
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Adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies
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Enforcement of open bidding in government contracts
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Strengthening of social protection systems to prevent hunger and deprivation
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who addressed the protesters virtually, said Nigerians have “no business being hungry in a nation so richly endowed.” “Our democracy has become one of elections without accountability,” Falana said. “Ending social and institutional maltreatment begins with reclaiming the idea that every Nigerian is a rights holder who deserves dignity and justice.”
He called for regular citizen engagement, suggesting that Nigerians hold monthly “pots and pans” demonstrations to remind the government of widespread hunger and poverty.
MOTiON Convener, Hawa Mustapha, said the movement seeks to mobilize Nigerians toward collective action for justice and equity. “We have no business being poor in a country of plenty,” Mustapha said. “Over 31 million Nigerians wake up daily without knowing where their next meal will come from, and 11 million children live with hunger on the streets. This must change.”
The protesters presented six key demands:
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Immediate measures to end hunger and poverty
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Creation of at least three million jobs within two years
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Continuation and expansion of the national school feeding programme
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Extension of cash transfers to all 139 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty
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Increased investment in agriculture and food production
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Institutional reforms to ensure transparency and accountability
The protest ended peacefully, with organisers vowing to sustain pressure on the government until meaningful action is taken to improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
