society
The Hidden Costs of Violent Protests: The Long-Term Repercussions and Who takes responsibility? David Offor
The Hidden Costs of Violent Protests: The Long-Term Repercussions and Who takes responsibility?
David Offor
Violent protests have become a powerful form of political expression in recent years, but their long-term social and economic impacts are often overlooked. The recent tax protests in Kenya are a striking example of how public dissent can escalate into widespread chaos, leaving lasting wounds on society and the economy.
The Kenyan Tax Protests: From Protest to Carnage
The recently proposed tax hike in Kenya has sparked widespread protests that quickly turned violent. What started as peaceful demonstrations and a call to recall the parliamentary bill resulted in widespread chaos, including looting, damage to infrastructure, and loss of life. The economic impact was immediate and significant, with Nairobi’s Central Business District becoming deserted as businesses closed and were looted and destroyed in response to the violence. The destruction of property caused substantial financial losses, compounding the challenges faced by an already fragile economy. Moreover, the disruption led to a decline in investor confidence and a downturn in the vital tourism sector. The long-term effects remain unclear, but the immediate aftermath highlights the stark consequences of violent protests on Kenya’s economy.
Parallels in Another country,
NIGERIA: The End SARS Protests
Nigeria’s End SARS protests in 2020 echo the events in Kenya, highlighting similar socio-economic consequences. Initially a movement against police brutality which denied other non-protesting citizens the use of social and transport infrastructure, the protests later escalated into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in widespread destruction. Government buildings, private businesses, and public infrastructure were not spared. For instance, public transportation infrastructure and buses were burnt leading to a transportation crisis in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, when Nigeria finally removed expensive fuel subsidies four years later.
The negative economic impact was substantial. According to estimates, the Nigerian economy lost about $1.5 billion in the first two weeks of the protests alone. The destruction of property led to job losses, further compounding the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians and worsening whatever social situations existed before the protests. Moreover, the violence and instability deterred foreign investment for years, with businesses reconsidering their plans in a country perceived as unstable.
The Western Experience: Ruin in USA, France, Canada and Spain… Lives lost; Billions of Dollars in destruction
Advanced democracies and Western countries are not immune, either, to the socio-economic fallout of when protests turn violent. The United States, for example, experienced significant unrest following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Protests across major cities often turned violent, resulting in extensive property damage and, tragically, loss of life. Multiple deaths were recorded, both among protesters and law enforcement officers, underscoring the deadly potential of such unrest. The costs of rebuilding were immense, with insurance claims exceeding $2 billion, making it the most expensive civil unrest in U.S. history.
Similarly, protests in France, notably the Yellow Vest movement, led to widespread damage to public and private property. The economic disruption was felt across various sectors, from retail to tourism, with the government facing billions in reconstruction costs. The protests also resulted in several deaths, highlighting the severe human cost of violent dissent. In Spain, the 2017 Catalonia independence referendum sparked widespread protests that often turned violent. The clashes between protesters and police not only resulted in physical injuries and damage to property but also caused significant economic disruptions. The uncertainty surrounding the region’s political future led to a flight of businesses, with many companies relocating their headquarters out of Catalonia to avoid instability.
The tourism sector, a major contributor to Catalonia’s economy is still suffering. The images of violent confrontations broadcast worldwide led to a decline in tourist arrivals, affecting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses reliant on tourism. The broader Spanish economy felt the ripple effects, highlighting how regional unrest can have national implications.
In early 2022, Canada’s “Freedom Convoy” protests against COVID-19 vaccine mandates culminated in a blockade of critical border crossings, including the Ambassador Bridge, a vital trade artery between the U.S. and Canada. The blockade caused significant economic disruption, halting the flow of goods and costing millions of dollars in trade losses each day.
Manufacturing industries on both sides of the border suffered, with auto plants forced to shut down due to parts shortages. The economic impact was swift and severe, highlighting the vulnerability of supply chains to such disruptions. The blockade underscored the broader risks to economic stability when protests target critical infrastructure and the government had to employ the use of force to quell the protests leading to several arrests, and blocking of accounts of many who took part in, or funded – actively and passively, the protests even months after. Fortunately, no deaths were recorded during the Canadian protests, but the economic and social strain was considerable.
The Hong Kong Protests: A City in Turmoil and loss of regional economic status
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests in 2019-2020 present another vivid example. Initially sparked by an extradition bill, the protests escalated into a broader movement against perceived erosion of freedoms. The protests frequently turned violent, with clashes between protesters and police causing widespread disruption.
Hong Kong’s economy, already under pressure from global trade tensions, took a significant hit. Retail sales plummeted, with major shopping districts seeing sharp declines in foot traffic. The tourism sector, a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s economy, faced a steep drop in visitors. Airlines reported reduced flight bookings, and hotels saw occupancy rates fall dramatically.
The long-term damage to Hong Kong’s reputation as a stable financial hub cannot be overstated. Businesses and investors grew wary of the continued unrest, leading to capital flight and a reconsideration of Hong Kong as a base for regional operations.
The Trump Coup Attempt: Democracy Under Siege reminiscent of similar protests
The January 6th, 2021, storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump marked a dark day for American democracy. No one believes such could happen in theUnited States of America of all places. The violent attempt to overturn the results of a democratic election not only led to loss of life and extensive property damage but also struck at the very heart of democratic principles. Five deaths were directly linked to the events of that day, including both protesters and law enforcement personnel. The economic impact, though secondary to the political crisis, included millions in damages and heightened security costs – all still borne by the American people.
This incident highlights the dangers of using protests to attempt a change in government through unconstitutional means. The attempt to force a change in a democratically elected government undermines the rule of law and the tenets of democracy, setting a dangerous precedent for future unrest.
Protests gone Wrong: The Hidden Costs
The economic damage and loss of lives from violent protests is just the tip of the iceberg. The deeper, more insidious costs lie in the erosion of social cohesion and trust. In Kenya, Nigeria, and other affected countries, the aftermath of such protests has left communities divided, with deep-seated grievances often leading to further instability.
Moreover, the focus on rebuilding physical infrastructure after the protests often overshadows the need to address the underlying issues that led to the protests. Governments end up having to divert funds from critical social programs to repair damaged property and infrastructure, putting further stress on the people and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and perpetuating a cycle of unrest.
The Need for Government Intervention
While the right to protest is a fundamental democratic principle, the manner in which dissent is expressed can have profound implications. In cases where protests devolve into violence, it becomes necessary for governments to step in with force to restore order. The use of force, though often controversial, is sometimes crucial to prevent further destruction and to protect lives and property.
No responsible government can stand by while nefarious elements exploit legitimate protests to destabilise a country. Such elements often aim to force a change in government through unconstitutional means, undermining the very fabric of democracy. Governments must act decisively to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, and that the democratic process is protected. Allowing violent protests to go unchecked risks setting a dangerous precedent where force becomes a means to achieve political ends.
What is the way forward?
While the right to protest is essential, citizens must also bear the responsibility of ensuring that their actions do not lead to violence and destruction. Protests that are increasingly more often hijacked by nefarious elements seeking to destabilise governments through unconstitutional means only serve to undermine the legitimate grievances of the populace.
On the other hand, constructive dialogue between governments and citizens remains crucial. Addressing the root causes of discontent through reform and engagement can prevent the escalation of tensions but citizens must also know when to rein in their protests. A government elected by the entire population should not be removed through the back door by elements who choose not to use the polls to exercise their rights. Governments must however be proactive in responding to the needs of their people, and citizens must engage in peaceful and responsible advocacy.
As we reflect on the lessons from recent history, it is clear that the true cost of violent protests extends far beyond the immediate scenes of destruction. It is a cost borne by society as a whole, with repercussions that can last for generations – a one step forward, many steps backwards scenario. Through responsible protest and effective governance, the socio-economic fabric of society can be preserved and strengthened, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for all.
David Offor is a student of Political science and public policy with a key interest in citizen rights, public affairs and global diplomacy
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE OF CHINEDU NSOFOR (CEO, WORK WHILE IN SCHOOL GROUP)
Chinedu Nsofor is a dynamic and seasoned technocrat, a visionary social worker, an International Development Expert, and an accomplished programmes development and management expert with over 15 years of diverse professional experience. He is a trailblazer in youth empowerment, job creation, and social innovation, renowned for his creative problem-solving skills and unmatched ability to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities.
With a strong academic foundation—holding a B.Sc. in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an M.Sc. in Social Work (Industrial Social Welfare) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso—he combines intellectual depth with practical expertise. His distinguished career reflects his unwavering commitment to tackling unemployment in Nigeria, a mission he has pursued through pioneering initiatives such as the Work While in School Programmes, the IMOFINTEC project for 5,000 youths, and several other impactful programmes across tertiary institutions, government bodies, and international organizations.
Recognized as a versatile project management expert, innovative business development strategist, creative writer, professional biographer, media consultant, and Wikipedian, Nsofor’s influence extends across social, economic, and academic spheres. His professional track record includes leadership roles in reputable organizations such as the Nigeria Association of Economists, Global Coalition for Sustainable Environment, Iwuanyanwu Foundation, the Imo State Government Committee on Science and Technology Roadmap (2020–2030), and Asia Pacific Sports International, where he has served as Nigeria’s Programmes Director.
Heiss is also currently the Country Director (Nigeria), RapidHeal International, a health intervention firm with its global headquarters in Malaysia. Beyond his rich portfolio, he is celebrated for his divine wisdom, inspirational leadership, and Midas touch in wealth and job creation, having directly empowered over 50,000 youths across Nigeria with life-transforming skills. Passionate, resourceful, and impact-driven, Chinedu Nsofor stands out as a nation-builder whose contributions continue to shape lives and institutions to the glory of God.
Customs at the Crossroads: When Lawmakers Look Away and the Executive Looks Aside
By Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi
In a democracy, legislative oversight is the scalpel that cuts through deceit, inefficiency, and corruption in public institutions. It is the people’s last institutional shield against abuse of power. But what happens when that shield becomes a shelter for the very rot it is meant to expose? And what happens when the Executive arm, whose duty is to supervise its agencies, pretends not to see?
The unfolding drama between the National Assembly and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals more than a policy dispute. It exposes a dangerous triangle of confusion, complicity, and economic sabotage. At stake is not only the rule of law but the survival of an economy already gasping under inflation, a weak naira, and suffocating costs of living.
The House Talks Tough
In June 2025, Nigerians saw a glimpse of legislative courage when the House of Representatives Committee thundered at Customs:
> “Nigerian Customs Service, by June 30, must not collect CISS again. You are to collect only your 4% FOB assigned by the President. Even the 7% cost of collection you currently take is illegal—it was an executive fiat of the military, not democratic law. Any attempt to continue these illegal collections will be challenged in court. The ‘I’s have it.”
The voice was firm, the ruling decisive. Nigerians expected a turning point.
But the righteous thunder of the House was quickly muffled by the Senate’s softer tone, which suggested not the enforcement of the law but a readiness to bend it.
Senate: Oversight or Escape Route?
At a Senate Customs Committee session, Senator Ade Fadahunsi admitted openly that Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023. Yet rather than demand an end to illegality, he extended a lifeline to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi:
> “If we come back to the same source… the two houses will sit together and see to your amendment so you will not be walking on a tight rope.”
But should Adeniyi be handed a loose rope while Nigeria’s economy hangs by a thread?
Instead of accountability, the Senate Customs Committee floated adjustments that would make life easier for Customs. The nation was given hints about fraudulent insurance and freight data, but instead of sanctions, what we saw was a search for escape routes. This is not oversight—it is overlook.
Smuggling and Excuses
The Senate Committee also lamented cross-border smuggling—Nigerian goods like cement flooding Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana at cheaper prices than in Nigeria. Senator Fadahunsi blamed the Central Bank’s 2% value deposit for encouraging the practice.
But where are the Senate’s enforcement actions—compliance checks, stiffer sanctions, cross-border coordination? None. The result is predictable: smugglers prosper, reserves bleed, and ordinary Nigerians pay more for less.
A Bloated Customs Budget
The Service’s 2024 capital allocation ballooned to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦706 billion. Instead of channeling these resources into modern trade systems, Customs is expanding empires of frivolity—such as proposing a new university despite already having training facilities in Gwagwalada and Ikeja that could easily be upgraded.
Oversight is not an afterthought; it is the legislature’s constitutional duty. To see waste and illegality and yet propose amendments that would legalise them is to turn oversight into overlook.
Customs has about 16,000 staff, yet many remain poorly trained. Rather than prioritise capacity building, the Service is busy building staff estates in odd locations. How does Modakeke—an inland town with no border post—end up with massive Customs housing projects, while strategic border towns like Badagry, Idiroko, and Saki remain neglected? Is Bashir Adeniyi Comptroller-General of Customs—or Minister of Housing?
The 4% FOB Levy: A Policy Blunder
The central controversy is the Federal Government’s plan to replace existing port charges with a new 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy on imports.
Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. This levy will instantly hike the costs of cars, spare parts, machinery, and raw materials—crippling industries and punishing consumers.
Already, the consequences are biting:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla now costs between ₦6–9 million.
Clearing agents who once paid ₦215,000 for license renewal must now cough out ₦4 million.
New freight forwarder licenses have jumped from ₦600,000 to ₦10 million.
Customs claims the revenue is needed for its modernisation programme, anchored on a software platform called B’Odogwu. But stakeholders describe this so-called “Odogwu” as epileptic—if not comatose. Why commit trillions to a ghost programme that will be obsolete by January 2026, when the Nigerian Revenue Service is set to take over Customs collections?
Industry Raises the Alarm
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the levy will worsen inflation, disrupt supply chains, and hurt productivity.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, calls the levy “economically dangerous.” His reasoning is straightforward:
The 4% FOB levy is much higher than the 1% CISS it replaces.
Peer countries like Ghana maintain just 1%.
The new levy will fuel inflation, raise the landed costs of goods, and destabilise the naira.
He also revealed that the Customs Modernisation Act, which introduced the levy, was passed without Senate scrutiny or meaningful stakeholder consultation. He estimates that the levy could add ₦3–4 trillion annually to freight costs—burdens that will be transferred directly to consumers.
Who Is Behind the “Odogwu” Masquerade?
The haste to enforce this levy, despite its looming redundancy, raises disturbing questions. Who benefits from the “Odogwu” project draining trillions? Why the rush, when NRS will take over collections in a few months?
This masquerade must be unmasked.
The Price Nigerians Pay
For ordinary Nigerians, this policy translates into one thing: higher prices. Cars, manufactured goods, and spare parts are spiraling beyond reach. A nation struggling with inflation, unemployment, and a weak currency cannot afford such reckless experiments.
So, while the Senate looks away, the Executive cannot look aside.
The Executive Cannot Escape Blame.
It is easy to focus on the failings of the legislature. But we must not forget: the Customs Service is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
If Customs is breaking the law, wasting resources, or implementing anti-people policies, the buck stops at the Executive’s table. The Minister of Finance is Chairman of the Customs Board. To fold his hands while the Service operates in illegality is to abdicate responsibility.
History gives us a model. In 1999, the Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, was specifically assigned to supervise Customs and report directly to the President. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on broader fiscal and economic policies. That division of responsibility improved accountability. Today, the absence of such an arrangement is feeding impunity.
President Tinubu and his Finance Minister must act decisively. Oversight without executive will is a dead letter.
A Call to Accountability
The truth is stark:
Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023 to the Senate’s own confession.
The 4% FOB levy will deepen inflation and worsen economic hardship.
The Ministry of Finance bears ultimate responsibility for Customs’ conduct.
Until importing and consuming, Nigerians demand accountability—of the Comptroller-General, the Senate, and above all, the Finance Ministry—this bleeding will continue.
Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a Customs Service that serves the nation, not a privileged few. They deserve a House that enforces its resolutions, not one that grandstands. They deserve a Senate that upholds the law, not one that bends it. And above all, they deserve an Executive that does not look aside while illegality thrives under its ministry.
Only public pressure can end this indulgence. If Nigerians keep silent, we will keep paying the price—in higher costs, weaker currency, and a sabotaged economy.
Citizens’ Charge: Silence is Not an Option
Fellow Nigerians, the Customs crisis is not a drama for the pages of newspapers—it is a burden on our pockets, our businesses, and our children’s future. Every illegal levy is a tax on the poor. Every abandoned oversight is an open invitation to corruption. Every silence from the Executive is an approval of impunity.
We cannot afford to fold our arms. Democracy gives us the power of voice, the duty of vigilance, and the right to demand accountability. Let us demand that:
The Senate and House of Representatives stop playing good cop, bad cop, and enforce the law without compromise.
The Ministry of Finance takes full responsibility for the Customs Service, supervising it in the interest of Nigerians, not vested interests.
The President intervenes now, before the Service crosses the dangerous line of turning illegality into policy.
History will not forgive a people who suffered in silence when their economy was bled by recklessness. Silence is complicity. The time to speak, to write, to petition, to protest, and to demand is now.
Customs must serve Nigeria—not sabotage it.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:[email protected]
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Apostle Johnson Suleman: Firebrand of Faith, Prophet to the Nations, Voice to a Generation
By Femi Oyewale
In the beginning, there was just one man with a burning vision. Today, that man has become a global force whose voice thunders across continents, whose prayers ignite miracles, and whose mission is transforming destinies worldwide. He is Apostle Johnson Suleman, the fiery Restoration Apostle, the humanitarian preacher, and the global trailblazer reshaping the Christian faith for a new generation.
From Auchi to the World
Born in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, Apostle Suleman’s rise from humble beginnings to international prominence is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a divine calling has now evolved into a global mandate, reaching millions through Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM).
His story is the classic tale of vision meeting conviction—of a man who dared to believe God not just for himself, but for nations. From a modest congregation, OFM has spread like wildfire, with branches in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
The Man & The Mission
To know Suleman is to understand passion—passion for God, for people, and transformation. He lives by one mantra: populate Heaven, depopulate Hell.
His pulpit is a battlefield, his voice a trumpet, his words a sword. Through his fiery sermons, prophetic declarations, and healing crusades, countless men and women testify of divine encounters—cancers healed, destinies restored, impossibilities overturned.
But beyond the pulpit lies the heart of a humanitarian. Suleman’s mission has always extended beyond preaching. He funds scholarships for the underprivileged, empowers widows with homes, sets up businesses for struggling families, and supports countless orphans. In times of crisis, he has sent relief materials across regions, proving that true ministry is not only heard—it is seen.
The Impact
Step into one of his crusades, and the atmosphere tells its own story. Stadiums overflow. Multitudes gather, hungry for hope. From London to Houston, Dubai to Johannesburg, crowds testify to healings, deliverance, and restoration.
Through Celebration TV and other digital platforms, Suleman’s voice penetrates homes, villages, and cities, giving access to millions who may never step into a physical church. His boldness in confronting social ills and speaking truth to power has also established him as a fearless voice beyond the church walls.
The Global Moves
Apostle Suleman is not just a Nigerian voice—he is a global phenomenon. His recent international crusades draw audiences in their tens of thousands, breaking barriers of race, culture, and language.
From prophesying to presidents to laying hands on ordinary citizens, his message is universal: God still speaks, God still heals, God still restores.
Each global tour solidifies his place as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 21st century. He is as comfortable commanding a crowd in Chicago as he is in Accra, as bold in Paris as he is in Abuja.
The Legacy in Motion
Apostle Johnson Suleman is more than a preacher—he is a movement. A man consumed by vision, driven by compassion, and equipped with an anointing that refuses to be confined by borders.
From Auchi to America, from pulpits to palaces, from widows to world leaders, his impact is undeniable. And as the Restoration Apostle continues to blaze trails across nations, one thing is certain: his legacy is still unfolding, and his global moves have only just begun.
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