A broad coalition of civil society organisations, labour unions, youth groups, faith-based bodies, community associations and social movements has announced plans for a nationwide protest on June 12, 2026, citing worsening insecurity and deepening economic hardship across Nigeria.
The demonstration, scheduled to coincide with the country’s Democracy Day celebration, is intended to draw attention to the challenges facing millions of Nigerians, including rising inflation, poverty, kidnappings, terrorism and the escalating cost of living.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the coalition argued that many citizens have little reason to celebrate democracy amid persistent security threats and economic struggles affecting communities nationwide.
Among those who endorsed the statement are the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana; organising committee member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement, Hassan Taiwo Soweto; National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Yinka Folarin; and several leaders from labour, youth and civil society organisations.
Other signatories include musician and activist Falz, Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation Mike Igaga, President of PERESSA Rufus Olusesan, and representatives of various advocacy groups and social movements across the country.
The coalition expressed concern over what it described as the government’s inadequate response to insecurity, noting that many Nigerians continue to face threats from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks.
According to the statement, numerous families have been displaced, while others continue to mourn loved ones lost to criminal violence. The group called for urgent action to secure the release of citizens reportedly being held captive in several states, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger.
“The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” the coalition stated.
The group maintained that despite repeated assurances from authorities, attacks on communities have persisted, schools remain vulnerable, farmers face difficulties accessing their farmlands and several major highways continue to pose security risks.
Beyond security concerns, the coalition highlighted the country’s worsening economic conditions, describing the current hardship as unbearable for many households.
It pointed to rising fuel prices, currency depreciation, increased electricity tariffs and the growing cost of basic services as major factors contributing to declining living standards and increasing poverty.
The statement further noted that food prices have continued to climb, transportation costs have become unaffordable for many citizens, and small and medium-sized businesses are struggling under the weight of high operating expenses, erratic power supply and weak consumer spending.
The coalition also lamented that workers’ wages have failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving many families with reduced purchasing power.
Organisers said the June 12 protest is part of a broader campaign aimed at compelling the government to take decisive measures to improve security and introduce policies that will alleviate economic hardship.
They urged workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious organisations and labour unions to participate in the demonstrations across communities, campuses and workplaces.
Describing the planned action as a collective demand for safety, dignity and improved welfare, the coalition called on Nigerians to unite in seeking meaningful reforms.
“The time has come for Nigerians to speak with one voice and demand security, dignity and a decent standard of living. Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering,” the statement concluded.
