At the onset of ten days of nationwide protests, Nigeria’s tech sector is grappling with a significant slowdown in internet connectivity. The demonstrations which commenced today, primarily driven by young Nigerians frustrated with the current economic conditions, have already begun to affect daily operations, with notable disruptions in the tech and delivery sectors.
Amidst the turmoil, Nigerian food delivery startup Chowdeck has issued a notice assuring its customers that it remains operational. “Protests may affect delivery, but we’ll do our best to get to you,” the company said in a statement.
Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets, driven by grievances over economic hardships. The protests, organized by various groups, demand the reversal of the recent fuel price hike, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and the reduction of import duties. Additionally, they call for the reversal of increased tertiary education fees, greater transparency in governance, public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances, and the creation of an emergency fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Nigerian government, recalling the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, is wary of the current demonstrations. President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the right to peaceful protests but expressed concerns about potential violence. He urged the youth to reconsider the protests, while some senior officials have dismissed the demonstrations as politically motivated.
The State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Army have issued warnings about the potential for chaos, with the army pledging proactive measures to maintain order. The rhetoric from government officials and security agencies has raised concerns among activists about a possible violent crackdown on dissent.
On the Ground: Scenes from Abuja and Lagos
In Abuja, local media report that major roads like the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway are notably less busy, with only a few cars seen. Security presence is strong, with police vans and Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed at strategic locations, including the Moshood Abiola Stadium and the Three-Arms Zone, which houses the National Assembly, Supreme Court, and Aso Villa. Protesters have gathered at the entrance of the MKO Abiola stadium, singing anti-government songs under the watchful eyes of security operatives.
In Lagos, protesters have assembled at the Ikeja underbridge, singing and dancing. They plan to march through various parts of Ikeja, indicating the widespread nature of the demonstrations.
Internet Slowdown and Its Implications
As the protests unfold, many Nigerians have reported a noticeable slowdown in internet connectivity. Remote workers relying on major telecom providers are experiencing significant disruptions, unable to access work tools or participate in virtual meetings. Social media is abuzz with complaints about the sluggish internet, with some users directly appealing to Elon Musk, noting that even Starlink’s service has been affected.
“Please, @elonmusk, eyes on Nigeria. Internet has started going down. Starlink too is slower than it has ever been. This will cut people off at such a time as this. We haven’t forgotten what happened in the last protest. Let Nigerians have their access to the Internet undisturbed,” one user tweeted.
The alleged deliberate slowing of internet services by the government, reminiscent of tactics used during the #EndSARS protests, is seen as an attempt to control the flow of information and disrupt the organization of the demonstrations. This move has significant implications for the tech sector, potentially stifling business operations and communication at a critical time.
As Nigeria navigates this period of heightened tension and civil unrest, the tech sector is bracing for impact. The slowdown in internet connectivity not only hampers business operations but also raises broader concerns about freedom of expression and the right to protest. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the protests and the government’s response, as well as the resilience of Nigeria’s tech sector in the face of such internet disruptions.