Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawale, has affirmed that Nigerian youth have the constitutional right to protest, but warned that protests involving the destruction of property or disruption of public activities will not be tolerated.
On Monday morning, young demonstrators under the aegis of the Take-It-Back Movement defied police warnings and staged protests in Abuja, Lagos, and other states across the country.
Reacting to the development shortly after his addressed at the Annual Management Conference on Monday in Abuja, the Minister acknowledged the importance of peaceful protest in a democratic society.
“Protesting to express your concerns is a right recognized all over the world,” he said. “No one is stopping protests—it’s the citizens’ right. If I had the time, I would even join them. It helps the government hear and address their demands.”
However, he emphasized that protests must remain peaceful and should not involve damage to public infrastructure.
“What the government will not condone is the destruction of infrastructure, which negatively impacts the economy and national development,” he stated. “Don’t block roads or hinder public services. We are willing to listen to the youth. If I have the chance, I’ll be there to speak with them.”
He concluded by reiterating that the government is not against protests, but urged protesters to respect boundaries and avoid actions that could endanger national progress.
