The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has expressed its unequivocal solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria as the nationwide protests over rising living costs enter their second day. APRA calls for sincere and continuous dialogue to ensure a swift resolution of the issues prompting the protests.

Protests and advocacies for improved social conditions are fundamental civil liberties and central to democratic practice. APRA commends the Nigerian government for its guarantee of the right to protest and the measures taken to prevent the escalation of the crisis.

However, APRA expressed concern over the reported deaths, including citizens and security personnel, injuries to many individuals, and the looting of business assets and public utilities such as telecommunication infrastructure and food processing companies. Instances of destruction and arson have also been noted since the protests began. APRA condemns the unjustifiable deaths, looting, and vandalism of infrastructure meant to improve the quality of life.

APRA calls on all actors, both state and non-state, to cease hostilities and outrage. Instead, APRA advocates for continuous dialogue and sincere conversations to ensure quick and concrete resolutions of the issues. APRA urges the Nigerian government and subnational entities to collaborate with all stakeholders to restore normalcy in the nation. Nigeria is pivotal to Africa’s vision for progress and development.

APRA shares in the grief of families who have lost loved ones in the ongoing crisis and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed. The organization wishes those recuperating from injuries a speedy and complete recovery and hopes that those who have lost properties will receive support to recover quickly and return to business, aiding the government’s efforts to reflate the Nigerian economy.