On Thursday afternoon, as the nationwide protests began, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was seen arriving at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. At around 4:00 pm local time, Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, was observed stepping out of a black Toyota Prado SUV and was escorted into the President’s office.
The specifics of their discussion are not yet known, but it is likely related to the ongoing protests in the federal capital and other states.
After the meeting, the FCT Minister did not address the media as he departed from the presidential villa.
The protests, which started on August 1, have seen large crowds gather in Abuja’s central business district and surrounding areas, with security forces deploying tear gas to disperse demonstrators in some areas. A strong security presence was evident at Eagles Square, the planned protest site, with armed personnel blocking routes to the Presidential Villa.
The demonstrations are driven by dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living. Nigeria is grappling with severe economic challenges, the worst in a generation.
President Bola Tinubu, who took office 14 months ago, ended petrol subsidies and unified foreign exchange rates, measures intended to support infrastructural development and reduce currency arbitrage. However, these changes have led to a devaluation of the naira, soaring food prices, and increased insecurity in farming areas, which has displaced many farmers and exacerbated the cost of food.
The protests according to organisers is aimed to draw the attention of the federal government of Nigeria to end bad governance.