The recent youth-led uprising in Nepal that led to the ouster of the country’s prime minister and widespread destruction of government property has ignited conversations in Nigeria about similar action.
The movement in Nepal, driven by Generation Z protesters fed up with political corruption and economic hardship, has inspired some Nigerians to call for mass protests against their own political elite. Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have seen growing calls for citizens to mobilize, with some users urging protesters to march on Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria.
Prominent activists and influencers, such as Juwon Sanyaolu of the Take-it-Back Movement, drew parallels between Nigeria and global protest movements. Referencing past actions like the #EndSARS demonstrations in 2020 and more recent events in Kenya, these voices questioned whether Nigerian youths would be moved to act similarly in 2025. However, others warned that mimicking the Nepalese revolt could trigger violence and destruction, surpassing the chaos seen during #EndSARS.
Supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s government quickly pushed back, urging caution and highlighting the negative aftermath of the Nepal unrest. Figures like former presidential aide Reno Omokri and comedian Seyi Law condemned the glorification of the Nepal protests, warning that such movements often spiral into uncontrollable violence, with innocent citizens paying the highest price. The hashtag #StartFromYourStateofOrigin trended as pro-government voices sought to deflect attention from Lagos as a protest center.
Civil society leaders offered mixed reactions to the comparisons. Enefa Georgewill of the Rivers Civil Society Organisations criticized Nigerian leaders for failing to learn from past protests and ignoring calls for reform. Meanwhile, Debo Adeniran of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights acknowledged the similarities in economic grievances between the two nations but stressed that Nigeria’s situation required long-term recovery efforts and youth support initiatives.
Religious leaders also weighed in, with Reverend Yomi Kasali warning that Nigeria could face a similar revolt if economic conditions do not improve. He called on churches and communities to support the government and help alleviate suffering among the poor. Kasali emphasized that revolutions often don’t distinguish between the corrupt and the innocent, noting that growing desperation could lead to indiscriminate violence against anyone perceived as wealthy or powerful.
