Nigeria Protests Soaring Living Costs

Thousands of Nigerians rallied against soaring living costs as the worst economic crisis in a generation leaves many struggling to afford food.

Demonstrators hoped nationwide protests called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) umbrella union would pile pressure on the government, which brought in reforms last year that have had a devastating effect on citizens of Africa's biggest economy.

As inflation skyrockets, many poor Nigerians have had to skip meals and give up products now considered a luxury, such as meat, eggs and milk.

Over 1,000 demonstrators marched on the National Assembly in the capital Abuja, watched over by vigilante groups and armed police.

The protesters chanted and carried signs saying "Let the poor breathe" and "End naira devaluation".

Since coming to office last year President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ended a fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a tripling of petrol prices and a spike in living costs as the naira has slid against the dollar.

The inflation rate reached a three-decade high of almost 30 percent in January, according to the national bureau of statistics.

Tinubu has called for patience to allow his reforms to take effect, saying they will help attract foreign investment, but the measures have hit Nigerians hard.

In the north, the economic crisis has forced people to eat poor-grade rice used as fish food.

Hundreds marched to the governor's office in the northern city Kano.

The price of rice has more than doubled in the past year and the 48-year-old mother of four said she has been missing meals to make ends meet.

Protests have already taken place across the country this month and are set to continue tomorrow.