A broad coalition—comprising civil society, youth groups, trade unions, faith-based organizations, and social movements—has announced plans for nationwide demonstrations on June 12. The group stated that this mass action is a direct response to the deepening economic distress and rampant insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Leadership and Signatories The call to action was officially announced on Wednesday in a statement signed by notable figures and organizational leaders, including:

• Femi Falana (SAN), National Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond.

• Yinka Folarin, National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights.

• Hassan Soweto, representing the #EndBadGovernance Movement (Lagos State).

• Folarin “Falz” Falana, prominent musician and activist.

• Other key signatories include Yusha’u Yankuzo, Ali Attahiru, Mike Igaga, Rufus Olusesan, Segun Oladunni, Abiodun Olamosu, Jonathan Ugbal, Richard Inoyo, Salako Kayode, Omole Ibukun, and Adaramoye Michael.

Demands and Concerns The coalition argues that there is little cause for celebration on June 12 given the pervasive climate of fear caused by bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. Their core demands include:

• Release of Captives: Immediate efforts to secure the release of Nigerians currently held hostage in states such as Borno, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kwara.

• Insecurity: The group condemned what they termed “inadequate and ineffective” government responses to the ongoing killings, displacement, and abduction of innocent citizens.

• Policy Criticism: The coalition strongly criticized the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, specifically citing the fuel subsidy removal, currency devaluation, rising electricity tariffs, and the commercialization of essential services as drivers of widespread poverty.

• Economic Relief: The statement highlighted that despite higher government allocations, citizens face skyrocketing food prices, rising transportation costs, and collapsing small businesses, all while wages fail to keep pace with inflation.

Call to Action Emphasizing that the protest is a fight for “collective survival,” the coalition is urging all Nigerians, civil society groups, and progressive movements to unite. They aim to use the June 12 demonstrations to force the government to prioritize the protection of life and property and to reverse economic policies they view as harmful to the populace.

Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to receive 268 Nigerian citizens evacuated from South Africa this Thursday, following recent outbreaks of xenophobic violence. The returnees are expected to arrive at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport on an Air Peace flight, with an estimated landing time of 5:00 a.m.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided further details regarding the operation:

• Ambassador Enikanolaiye will serve as the Federal Government’s representative to formally receive the evacuees, who are being escorted to Nigeria by Ambassador Alexander Ajayi, the Acting High Commissioner in Pretoria.

• To assist additional Nigerians wishing to leave South Africa, the government has extended the voluntary return screening process until Sunday, June 14, 2026.

• This extension underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting the welfare of its citizens residing abroad.

• Comprehensive arrangements, including reception, documentation, and various support services, have been finalized by relevant agencies to assist the returnees upon their arrival.

Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating cost of living in Nigeria, highlighting that many families are struggling to afford basic food items. In a video shared on her Instagram page this past Wednesday, Kadiri emphasized the severe impact the current economic situation is having on households, noting that the increased prices of essentials are taking a toll on people’s emotional well-being.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶