A broad coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, community associations, social movements, faith-based organisations and concerned Nigerians has declared June 12, 2026, a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity, economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions across the country.
The coalition said the planned demonstration, scheduled to coincide with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration, is aimed at drawing national attention to the escalating challenges facing citizens, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, inflation, poverty and the rising cost of living.
In a statement jointly signed by several prominent activists and civic leaders, the coalition argued that millions of Nigerians have little cause to celebrate democracy while communities across the country continue to grapple with violence, fear and economic distress.
Among the signatories are human rights lawyer and National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), Femi Falana; #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser, Hassan Taiwo Soweto; National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Yinka Folarin; musician and activist Falz; and several leaders of labour, socialist and community-based organisations.
The coalition expressed solidarity with victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, as well as their families, and called on the government to take immediate action to secure the release of citizens currently held captive in 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 statement read.
The group lamented that despite repeated assurances from authorities, insecurity remains widespread, with communities continuing to suffer attacks, schools operating under threat, farmers unable to safely access their farmlands and major highways still considered dangerous.
Beyond security concerns, the coalition described the country’s economic situation as unbearable for many citizens, citing rising fuel prices, currency depreciation, increased electricity tariffs and soaring costs of essential goods and services.
According to the statement, food prices have continued to climb sharply, transportation costs have become increasingly unaffordable and many small and medium-scale businesses are struggling to survive amid high operating costs, unstable power supply and weak consumer spending.
The coalition further noted that workers’ wages have failed to keep pace with inflation, resulting in a steady erosion of household incomes and worsening living conditions.
It said the June 12 protest is part of a broader campaign aimed at compelling the government to urgently address insecurity and implement policies that would ease the economic burden on citizens.
The coalition called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious organisations and trade unions to mobilise and participate in the demonstration across communities, campuses and workplaces nationwide.
Describing the planned protest as a struggle for security, dignity and economic justice, the coalition urged Nigerians to unite in demanding the release of all captives and improved living conditions.
“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.
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