A coalition of civil society organisations, trade unions, youth groups, and concerned Nigerians has declared June 12, 2026, as a day of nationwide protest and mass action against worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country. The coalition stated that the planned protest, which coincides with the Democracy Day celebration of Nigeria, is aimed at drawing immediate attention to the growing challenges confronting citizens, including rampant inflation, poverty, and the rising cost of living. In a statement jointly signed by prominent activists, the coalition lamented that millions of Nigerians have little reason to celebrate Democracy Day while communities continue to grapple with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The statement was signed by the National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, Femi Falana, alongside an organizing committee member of the EndBadGovernance Movement, Hassan Taiwo Soweto. Other prominent signatories include the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Yinka Folarin, the Organising Secretary of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, and the Secretary of Initiative and Mediation, Zauren Tuntuba da Sasanci, Ali Attahiru. The coalition also featured prominent individuals and activists, including the musician Falz, the Executive Director of the Moses Oisakede Leadership Foundation, Mike Igaga, the President of PERESSA, Rufus Olusesan, Segun Oladunni of the Joint Action Front, and the General Secretary of Socialist Labour, Abiodun Olamosu. Additional signatories include Jonathan Ugbal, Richard Inoyo, Salako Kayode, Omole Ibukun, Adaramoye Michael, and Adewale Ojo.
The organizers noted that innocent Nigerians are constantly being killed, abducted, and displaced while government responses to the security crisis remain largely inadequate. The group expressed solidarity with families affected by terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, urging authorities to implement immediate measures to secure the release of citizens currently held captive in several states, including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger. Emphasizing the primary duty of the state, the coalition stated, “The Nigerian people deserve a government that places the protection of lives and property at the centre of governance,” The activists pointed out that despite repeated assurances from authorities, attacks on communities have continued unabated, schools remain under threat, farmers cannot access farmlands, and major highways remain unsafe.
The coalition also expressed grave concern over the economic trajectory of the country, describing the prevailing hardship as completely unbearable for many citizens. They noted that rising fuel prices, currency devaluation, increased electricity tariffs, and the high cost of essential services have contributed to worsening poverty levels and declining living standards. The statement observed that food prices have continued to rise sharply, transportation costs have become increasingly difficult for citizens to bear, and many small and medium scale enterprises are currently struggling due to high operating costs, unstable electricity supply, and reduced consumer purchasing power. Furthermore, the organizers stated that workers' wages have remained largely insufficient amid persistent inflation.
The coalition explained that the June 12 protest forms part of a series of actions intended to compel the government to take urgent steps to address insecurity and implement policies that will ease the economic burden on citizens. They called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, and unemployed youths to mobilize heavily for the protest across their various communities, workplaces, and campuses. Describing the planned demonstration as a struggle for the welfare and security of ordinary Nigerians, the coalition urged civil society organizations and progressive groups to unite. The statement concluded with a strong call to action, stating, “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,”
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