PUBLIC PROTESTS IN NIGERIA: THE LAW, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This article investigates the critical issues surrounding civil public protests in Nigeria, a nation marked by a history of political unrest and social strife. With the persistent challenges of corruption, economic hardship, and oppression, civil protests have emerged as potent tools for social change and political accountability. The primary aim of this study is to elucidate the legal and socio-political dimensions of public protests in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the factors that influence their emergence and outcomes. Employing a doctrinal content method, this research examines relevant legal frameworks, historical precedents, and comparative analyses of protests both within Nigeria and in analogous contexts globally. This methodology is supplemented by an examination of court rulings, legislative acts, and constitutional provisions related to the right to assemble and protest. The findings reveal that, while constitutional guarantees exist, systemic barriers, including the discretionary powers of law enforcement, restrict citizens' rights to peaceful assembly. Moreover, state-led suppression, coupled with a lack of public awareness regarding legal protections, severely undermines the effectiveness of civil protests. This article ultimately recommends the reinforcement of legal safeguards to protect the rights of protesters, alongside the promotion of civic education to empower citizens about their rights and responsibilities. This study concluded that addressing the structural and legal impediments identified can foster a more conducive environment for civil engagement and social advocacy, enhancing its democratic fabric and promoting sustainable socio-political development in Nigeria.