A coalition of civil society groups, labour organisations, youth movements, community associations, and concerned Nigerians has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for June 12, 2026, over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and worsening living conditions.
The planned demonstration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, is aimed at drawing attention to challenges affecting citizens, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, inflation, poverty, and the rising cost of living.
In a joint statement signed by activists and representatives of various organisations, the coalition expressed concern that many Nigerians had little to celebrate as communities continue to face security threats and economic struggles.
The statement was signed by figures including human rights lawyer Femi Falana, representatives of the #EndBadGovernance movement, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, and other civil society groups.
The coalition said Nigerians are being killed, abducted, displaced, and traumatised while government efforts to tackle insecurity remain insufficient.
It called for urgent action to secure the release of citizens currently held captive in different parts of the country, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states.
The group also criticised the country’s economic situation, citing rising fuel prices, currency depreciation, increased electricity costs, and the high prices of essential goods as factors worsening hardship among citizens.
According to the coalition, food costs, transportation expenses, and business operating challenges have continued to increase, while workers’ incomes struggle to keep up with inflation.
The organisers urged workers, students, traders, professionals, youths, religious organisations, and community groups to participate in the protest across various locations.
They described the planned action as a demand for improved security, better governance, and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
The coalition stated that the protest is aimed at pushing the government to take immediate steps to address insecurity and reduce the economic burden on citizens.
