Edo Youths Block Benin–Lagos Expressway Over Hardship | Nigeria News Today
By Enemona Samuel Endurance
The Bureau News reports that aggrieved youths in Edo State on Wednesday blocked the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway at the Ugbowo axis in protest against worsening economic hardship in Nigeria.
The protest caused heavy traffic gridlock for several hours, leaving commuters and motorists stranded along the ever-busy route.
Nigeria News Today: Protest Disrupts Movement in Edo
Eyewitnesses said the protesters barricaded sections of the expressway, disrupting both inbound and outbound movement while chanting slogans and expressing frustration over rising living costs and unemployment.
The youths, who declined to reveal their identities, carried placards with inscriptions such as “No Jobs,” “Kidnapping Is Now a Money-Making Venture,” and “Tinubu Must Go.”
Security operatives later arrived at the scene, with a police team led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Ugbowo Division intervening to restore order and ease traffic.
The Bureau News gathered that the protesters vowed to sustain the demonstration until their concerns are addressed by relevant authorities.
Rising Cost of Living Fuels Public Anger
The protest comes amid growing frustration among Nigerians over economic reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
While economists argue that the reforms were necessary, they have triggered a sharp increase in the cost of living nationwide.
Key policy changes include the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, both of which have significantly impacted household incomes.
Global Factors Worsen Nigeria’s Economic Pressure
In addition to domestic policies, global developments have further compounded economic challenges.
The ongoing Middle East crisis, particularly tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has disrupted global oil supply, pushing crude prices to around $100 per barrel.
This represents a surge of up to 50 percent, contributing to higher fuel costs and inflationary pressures in Nigeria.
Petrol prices, which stood at about N195 per litre in early 2023, have risen sharply, reaching highs above N1,200 before slightly easing in some locations.
Public transportation fares have also increased significantly, placing additional strain on already stretched household budgets.
Power Supply Challenges Deepen Crisis
Electricity supply across Nigeria remains unstable, with recent gas shortages worsening the situation.
This has forced many businesses and households to rely more on private generators, further increasing operational and living costs.
A resident, Sanni, told AFP that his fuel expenses have risen by more than 30 percent compared to previous levels.
The Bureau News reports that the combined impact of domestic reforms and global economic pressures continues to drive public discontent, as citizens demand urgent interventions to ease the hardship.
