Aggrieved youths in Edo State on Wednesday blocked the busy Benin–Lagos Expressway at the Ugbowo axis, protesting worsening economic hardship across the country.
The demonstration caused severe traffic gridlock for hours, leaving commuters and motorists stranded along the major route as protesters barricaded sections of the road and halted movement in both directions.
Eyewitnesses said the youths chanted slogans and voiced frustration over rising living costs, unemployment, and insecurity. Some carried placards with messages such as “No Jobs,” “Kidnapping Is Now a Money-Making Venture,” and “Tinubu Must Go.”
Security operatives later arrived at the scene, with police led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Ugbowo Division intervening to restore order and ease traffic.
Despite the intervention, the protesters vowed to continue their action until authorities address their concerns.
The protest comes amid growing public dissatisfaction over economic conditions following reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu since taking office in May 2023.
While economists have described the reforms as necessary, they have contributed to a sharp rise in the cost of living. Key measures include the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the exchange rate.
Global factors have also worsened the situation, particularly disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed up oil prices and affected fuel supply.
As a result, petrol prices in Nigeria have surged significantly, with transport fares rising and households facing increased energy costs due to unreliable electricity supply and dependence on generators.
Residents say the combined impact of domestic reforms and global economic pressures has intensified hardship, fuelling public anger and protests in parts of the country.
