Businesses Suffer As Protest Rocks Cities Nationwide
By Frederick Wright
Several business activities were stalled as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria# protest rock major cities across the country.
Notwithstanding several warnings and appeals from the Federal Government and some Organised groups, the protesters made good of their threat today (Thursday) by gathering in designated locations across the country to protest against hardship in the country.
SlyeNews investigations revealed that several businesses were affected by this move, as some businesses and shop owners failed to open for business owing to anxiety of possible mayhem.
Major areas in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Sokoto, Abuja, and Lagos among others, are empty and deserted as protesters take to the streets to express their grievances over poor living conditions.
At Ikeja, a Lagos metropolis, several shops were shut, while some others opened shop partially amid fears. Same situation occured at Oshodi, Ile-Epo market, and Sango-Ota, among others.
SlyeNews gathered that some corporate entities also asked their workers to work from home while they monitor the situation, due to the ongoing protests.
The nationwide protest, has sparked concerns among economic experts, who warn of devastating consequences if not properly managed.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has cautioned that the protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400 billion, with severe consequences for the country and its citizens.
The Director of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, in a statement said: “The protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400 billion, if not properly managed. The consequences of such a huge loss for the country and the citizens would be very severe,” he said.
The protests, organised by various groups in the country, are aimed at drawing attention to the country’s economic woes, including high inflation, production costs, unemployment and hunger.
Yusuf said: “There is a high risk of shutdowns and disruptions in major sectors of the economy. This is in addition to risks to lives and properties of innocent citizens and corporate bodies,”
The CPPE however urged the administration to implement its economic stabilisation plan to ease production costs and reduce inflationary pressures.
The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye said the Organised Private Sector (OPS) as representatives of the business community, is acutely aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests.
He said: “Our members are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation.
“We have continuously engaged with the government at various levels to find lasting solutions to the economic challenges facing our nation.
“It is crucial to remember that many businesses are still recovering from the substantial losses incurred during the hijacked End SARS protests a few years ago.”
He called on security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and properties during this period, adding that the OPSN remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria for all its citizens.
