FLASHBACK: Hunger Protests, Yahaya Bello-EFCC, Rivers Crisis, Ministers’ Sacking, Others in Nigeria’s 2024
By Kabir Akintayo
The original article was first published on Politic Digest, click to view.
In the annals of Nigeria’s democracy, 2024 unfolded as a defining year under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The year began with a stirring New Year’s address from the President, setting the tone for an ambitious agenda to tackle economic turbulence and deepen good governance.
However, the journey was fraught with challenges that tested the resolve of citizens and leaders alike. From sweeping economic reforms to contentious policy decisions, Tinubu’s administration grappled with navigating the delicate balance between driving progress and managing public discontent.
Key national issues, ranging from subsidy removal to currency adjustments, sparked widespread reactions, laying bare the complexities of leadership in a deeply polarized polity..As Nigerians contended with mounting pressures, a series of events—both transformative and tumultuous—dominated headlines.
The following highlights offer a snapshot of the most significant political, economic, and social developments that defined 2024 in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
1. N28.7 Trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill
On January 1, 2024, immediately after his national address, Tinubu signed into law the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly. The budget, increased by N1.2 trillion from the initial N27.5 trillion, allocated N1.74 trillion for statutory transfers, N8.27 trillion for debt servicing, N8.76 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and N9.99 trillion for capital projects.
2. Suspension of Betta Edu and Halima Shehu
President Tinubu suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, and the National Social Investment Program Agency (NSIPA) coordinator, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial mismanagement. Shehu was suspended on January 2, followed by Edu a week later, after a leaked memo revealed that Edu had directed N585 million to a private account.
3. Supreme Court Judgments on State Elections
On January 12, the Supreme Court upheld the election of Governor Yusuf Abba Kabir (NNPP) in Kano State, dismissing the APC’s challenge and easing political tensions. Similar rulings in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Zamfara upheld the elections of embattled governors, reversing earlier tribunal and appellate court rulings that nullified their victories.
4. Reducing the Cost of Governance
To curb wasteful spending, Tinubu cut official entourages for domestic and international travel by 60%. The President now travels with 20 officials (down from 50), while the Vice President, First Lady, and Second Lady are restricted to five officials each.
5. Rivers State Political Crisis
A feud erupted between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the FCT). Wike accused Fubara of undermining the political structure he built, leading to violent clashes and the burning of local government secretariats. Despite presidential intervention, tensions persist, with former Governor Peter Odili siding with Fubara.
6. Adoption of New National Anthem
On May 28, 2024, the Senate approved the re-adoption of Nigeria’s old national anthem, a decision signed into law by Tinubu the following day. Critics condemned the move as untimely, given the country’s economic struggles.
7. Electricity Tariff Reforms: Band A, B, C Classification
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In April 2024, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu introduced a controversial electricity tariff hike based on service bands. Band A users received 20–24 hours of power at N225/KWh, while Band B and C users got fewer hours at lower rates. The move sparked protests over excessive charges and arbitrary classifications.
8. Student Loan Scheme
On April 3, 2024, Tinubu signed a revised Student Loan Bill establishing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to support higher education, vocational training, and skill acquisition. The updated law expanded eligibility to include non-academic training, aligning with Tinubu’s education-focused reforms.
9. New Minimum Wage Agreement
After months of negotiations and strikes, the Federal Government and labor unions agreed on a new minimum wage of N70,000 on July 18, 2024, to be reviewed every three years. This followed national shutdowns as workers demanded wages that matched rising living costs.
10. CNG Conversion Program
Following the removal of fuel subsidies, the government introduced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper alternative. Initially met with skepticism, free conversion programs boosted adoption, though limited refueling stations remain a challenge.
11. End Bad Governance Protests
From August 1–10, 2024, mass protests erupted over economic hardships caused by subsidy removal and rising costs. Reports revealed 21 deaths, over 1,100 arrests, and 175 injuries during police crackdowns.
12. EFCC vs Yahaya Bello’s Corruption Trial
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faced ₦110.4 billion money laundering charges. After dramatic clashes between EFCC agents and his supporters, Bello was granted ₦500 million bail with strict conditions.
13. Edo and Ondo Off-Cycle Elections
In Edo State, APC’s Monday Okpebholo defeated PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, reversing the incumbent party’s dominance. Meanwhile, in Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC defeated his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the PDP, to continue his rulership as the Sunshine State governor.
14. Cabinet Reshuffle
Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet, sacking five ministers, appointing seven new ones, and reassigning ten others to new portfolios.
15. Shettima vs Badenoch Face-Off
Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for disparaging Nigeria. Badenoch countered that she was not obligated to defend Nigeria’s image.
16. Stampede Tragedies in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja
Three separate stampedes during charity events left 67 people dead. Fatalities included 35 children in Ibadan, 22 in Anambra, and 10 in Abuja, underscoring worsening poverty.
17. Tax Reform Controversies
Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills—targeting revenue mobilization—sparked anger, particularly in northern Nigeria. Critics argued the bills would worsen economic burdens amid inflation and unemployment.
18. Presidential Media Chat
After 18 months of avoiding a media chat, Tinubu finally addressed the press, defending his economic reforms and policy decisions. He displayed confidence and humor but faced criticism for failing to fully address certain concerns, leaving questions about his administration’s long-term strategies.
LAST LINE
President Tinubu’s first full year in office (which was marked in 2024) was marked by bold reforms, policy overhauls, and controversies.
While some measures aimed at economic stability, infrastructure development, and governance reforms gained traction, public dissatisfaction over hardship, insecurity, and rising costs fueled protests and criticism.
As the administration moves into 2025, expectations remain high for solutions that ease the nation’s economic and social pressures.
