A group of Nigerians has pledged to organize protests on October 1, citing the government's alleged inability to address their concerns regarding the rising cost of living.

A segment of the Nigerian population has announced plans to stage protests on Tuesday, October 1, coinciding with the nation's 64th independence anniversary celebrations. The demonstrations, which are being referred to as #FearlessOctober1, will take place nationwide to advocate for the reinstatement of fuel subsidies and to address various public concerns.

Juwon Sanyaolu, who serves as the national coordinator for a youth movement in Nigeria, stated on Sunday that the organizers have complied with legal requirements by informing the police about their planned protests. “We have written to the inspector-general of police to notify him of our protest locations,” Sanyaolu said, as reported by Nigeria's Punch newspaper.

In response to the planned demonstrations, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of police officers to key state facilities to ensure their protection from potential destruction. Egbetokun has also urged the organizers to reconsider their decision to protest.

The organizers have expressed frustration, claiming that their previous appeals to the government regarding the alleviation of economic hardship have gone unanswered, prompting the renewed call for public demonstrations.

Currently, Nigeria is facing a significant cost of living crisis, exacerbated by inflation, a relatively weak naira, and the removal of fuel subsidies. President Bola Tinubu has appealed for patience from the public regarding his administration's economic policies, asserting that the benefits of these policies will soon become apparent.

The United Nations has indicated that at least 25 million Nigerians are facing a hunger crisis. Additionally, insecurity continues to be a critical issue for President Tinubu's government, with increasing incidents of kidnappings for ransom and insurgent attacks.

Recent protests in Nigeria during early August resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, while Amnesty International has estimated that the death toll could be as high as 21. Hundreds of participants were arrested during those demonstrations, with many now facing legal proceedings.