In a televised address this morning, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu addressed the ongoing nationwide protests sparked by a deepening cost of living crisis.

President Tinubu expressed empathy for the protesters, especially the youth, acknowledging their pain and frustration.

He defended his economic reforms, which some blame for rising prices and hardships. However, he did not indicate a reversal of policies, including removing petrol subsidies or pegging the local currency to the dollar.

Tinubu stated that the protests had been hijacked by looters in certain areas, emphasizing the need to restore order for meaningful dialogue.

The president expressed sorrow over lives lost in four northern states and the destruction of public facilities.

Tinubu demanded an end to the violence, asserting that the government would not allow a few with a political agenda to tear the nation apart.

Amnesty International reported a death toll of 13 nationwide and called for an independent inquiry into the killing of hunger protesters in Kano.

The demonstrations, organized via social media with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, drew inspiration from Kenya’s successful protests against tax increases.

As the nation grapples with unrest, President Tinubu’s speech aimed to strike a balance between compassion and firmness, urging dialogue while emphasizing the need for public order.