In light of the planned nationwide protests starting August 1, 2024, the United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a precautionary advisory to its staff.
The embassy in Abuja and the consulate general in Lagos have advised non-essential personnel to remain at home on August 1 and August 2 to avoid potential disruptions associated with the demonstrations.
The protests, organized in response to governance issues and rising living costs, have garnered significant public interest and concern.
After the call for protests began to gain ground, the Federal Government, governors and the security establishment have been trying to dissuade organisers from going ahead with the protest.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, starting Wednesday night and ending early Thursday.
Meanwhile, security concerns surrounding the protests have prompted travel advisories from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Security concerns have been heightened as the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) have cautioned against the protests potentially escalating into situations similar to the EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020.
Despite appeals from politicians for the protests to be postponed, the demonstrators have remained resolute in their plans.
The U.S. Embassy’s advisory noted that protesters are expected to gather at major sites such as Eagles Square in Abuja and various locations in Lagos, including Alausa Park, Freedom Park, and Peace Park. Other potential protest sites in Lagos include Nahco Bus Stop, Marwa Bus Stop, and Ikeja “Under the Bridge.”
The advisory outlines several precautionary measures:
- Avoid protest areas and crowds.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly near large gatherings.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile.
- Verify flight schedules and review personal security plans.
- Keep cell phones charged and carry proper identification.
The embassy also highlighted the risk of potential terror attacks, noting that terrorist groups might exploit the chaos of the protests to carry out attacks.
For those with essential duties, the embassy emphasized the importance of staying informed and taking all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety during the upcoming days of demonstrations.
