Protests erupted in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday, as young Nigerians expressed their dissatisfaction with the allocation of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to members of the National Assembly.
In Ikeja, Lagos, a significant number of youths gathered, brandishing placards with messages such as “Fund education not SUVs,” “Pay living wage not SUVs,” “Return the SUVs Now,” and “Fund hospitals, not SUVs.” The protesters aimed to convey their outrage at lawmakers for purchasing SUVs with public funds, which they deemed insensitive in a country where the majority of citizens are struggling.
Juwon Sanyaolu, one of the protesters, expressed his concerns, emphasizing the challenges faced by workers trying to make ends meet with the current N33,000 minimum wage. He criticized the expenditure of about N160 billion on luxury vehicles for lawmakers while students were unable to afford costly school fees, labeling it as insensitive. He also questioned the lawmakers’ receipt of hardship allowances when it was unclear what hardships they faced.
In Abuja, another group of youths gathered at the Unity Fountain to voice their discontent.
These protests reflect the frustration and demands of the Nigerian people, who believe it is time to stand up for their rights and say “enough is enough.”
The allocation of SUVs to National Assembly members has raised concerns among the nation’s youth who are calling for more responsible use of public funds, particularly in areas like education and healthcare.
