10 Major Events That Shaped Nigeria In 2024

The year 2024 is a defining period in Nigeria’s history, marked by events that deeply influenced its socio-political and economic landscape. From economic reforms that strained the livelihoods of many to natural disasters and political shifts, the country experienced moments of triumph, tragedy, and transformation. These events not only captured national attention but also drew global focus on the challenges and opportunities Nigeria faces as a developing nation.

Economic policies took center stage as the government rolled out reforms intended to revitalize the nation’s economy. However, these changes sparked widespread debates, protests, and a call for accountability. Alongside these issues were catastrophic disasters like the collapse of the Alau Dam and severe flooding that displaced thousands, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilience and infrastructural development.

Meanwhile, security challenges persisted, with devastating attacks and abductions reminding the nation of its ongoing battle against insurgency and crime. Social and cultural shifts also emerged, with Nigerians grappling with changes such as the re-adoption of the old national anthem, a move that reignited conversations about national identity.

As the year unfolded, moments of heroism and resilience were juxtaposed with tragedy and loss. Osun Defender highlights ten major events that shaped Nigeria in 2024, painting a vivid picture of the nation’s journey through a year filled with trials and milestones.

1. Economic Instability – Hyperinflation/Naira Devaluation

In 2024, the Nigerian government embarked on a series of sweeping economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and fostering growth. These measures included the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and the introduction of new tax policies. While these reforms were intended to reduce fiscal deficits and attract foreign investments, they inadvertently led to soaring living costs that plunged many Nigerians into hardship.

Fuel prices nearly tripled, affecting transportation and the cost of goods and services. Households struggled to meet basic needs, with inflation hitting double digits and eroding the purchasing power of the average Nigerian. This economic strain was particularly pronounced among low-income earners and small business owners who faced dwindling profits and rising expenses.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 34.60% in November 2024 from 33.88% in October 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In addition, the naira exchanges to a dollar for over N1,700, with fears of crossing the N2,000 threshold by mid-2025, going by the current economic policies of the Tinubu administration.

The government’s efforts to cushion the effects of these reforms through palliatives were widely criticized as insufficient. Monthly cash transfers and subsidies on select items failed to meet the needs of a majority of the population. Critics argued that the government underestimated the social impact of the policies, calling for a more inclusive approach to economic restructuring.

Despite the challenges, proponents of the reforms emphasised their long-term benefits, arguing that Nigeria needed to take bold steps to reposition its economy. The debate over these reforms dominated public discourse throughout the year, reflecting the stark realities of navigating economic change in a complex society.

2. End Bad Governance Protests

In August 2024, Nigerians took to the streets in unprecedented numbers to protest against economic hardship and perceived government inefficiency.

The “End Bad Governance” protests were reminiscent of the #EndSARS movement in 2020, as citizens demanded transparency, accountability, and relief from the growing cost of living.

The demonstrations began in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt before spreading to smaller towns and communities. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, calling for better governance, job creation, and the reversal of some of the government’s economic policies. The protests were largely peaceful in their early stages, with organizers urging participants to maintain order and avoid violence.

However, tensions escalated when security forces intervened, leading to clashes in some areas. Tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition were reportedly used to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Human rights organizations condemned the heavy-handed approach, accusing the government of suppressing free speech and assembly.

Despite the crackdown, the protests highlighted the resilience and determination of Nigerians to demand change. The movement sparked a renewed sense of civic engagement, with citizens using social media to amplify their voices and draw international attention to their plight. By the year’s end, the protests had forced some policy reviews, signaling the power of collective action in shaping governance.

3. Betta Edu’s National Social Register Scandal

Former Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu was early in January fingered in a N3bn  corruption scandal that rocked her ministry in connection with a company that belonged to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Immediately after her suspension by President Bola Tinubu, she was invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the matter. In fact, investigations revealed that a company owned by Tunji-Ojo, New Planet Project, got N438.1 million from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under Betta Edu for consultancy services.

The company was one of the numerous consultants awarded contracts of N3 billion, which were given out by the suspended minister for the National Social Register Contract. The social register was created for cash transfers and other social investment programmes.

4. Minimum Wage Agreement

Amid rising inflation and economic hardship, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) successfully negotiated a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 in 2024. The agreement followed months of tense negotiations and nationwide strikes by workers demanding a pay increase to match the skyrocketing cost of living.

For many Nigerians, the new minimum wage was a long-overdue relief, as the previous rate of ₦30,000 had become grossly inadequate. Workers had struggled to cope with rising prices for essential goods and services, particularly after the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms. The wage increase was seen as a significant victory for labor unions, which had mobilized millions of workers to press their demands.

However, the implementation of the new wage was fraught with challenges. Some state governments, citing revenue constraints, delayed the payment of the revised salaries, sparking protests and industrial actions in various regions. The private sector also faced pressure to adjust salaries, with small businesses struggling to meet the new standard without passing on costs to consumers.

Economists warned that while the wage increase provided temporary relief, it could contribute to inflationary pressures if not accompanied by broader economic reforms. Nonetheless, the agreement highlighted the power of organized labor in advocating for workers’ rights and underscored the importance of addressing economic inequality in Nigeria.

5. Cabinet Reshuffle

In a widely expected move, President Bola Tinubu on October 23 sacked five ministers including controversial Women Affairs Minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye; and Education Minister, Prof Tahir Mamman, whose decision to bar children under the age of 18 from admission into university sparked criticism.

Seven new ministers were also announced, including Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late secessionist leader, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu. The President approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Creative Economy currently headed by Lara Ade John and Hannatu Musawa respectively.

The Ministry of Sports Development led by Senator John Eno was scrapped while the National Sports Commission chaired by Shehu Dikko, took over its duties.

Jumoke Oduwole, an ex-aide to former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo credited with improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria was appointed the Minister of Trade and Investment and is expected to bring her expertise to the new role.

6. Flooding Disasters

In 2024, severe flooding wreaked havoc across Nigeria, displacing thousands and compounding the nation’s humanitarian crisis. States like Adamawa, Jigawa, and Taraba bore the brunt of the disaster as heavy rains inundated communities, destroying homes, farmlands, and infrastructure. The flooding was described as one of the worst in recent years, with the affected areas declaring states of emergency.

Families were left stranded as rising waters swept through their homes, forcing them to seek refuge in makeshift camps. Reports indicated that over 100,000 people were displaced, with many struggling to access basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care. Farmers faced monumental losses, with hectares of farmland submerged, further threatening food security in a country already grappling with high inflation.

Experts attributed the severity of the flooding to a combination of climate change and poor urban planning. Blocked drainage systems and unchecked construction in flood-prone areas exacerbated the problem, leaving communities vulnerable. Environmentalists called for urgent measures to address deforestation and improve water management systems to mitigate the impact of future floods.

The government’s response was met with mixed reactions. While some commended the deployment of emergency aid and relief materials, others criticized the lack of proactive measures to prevent the disaster. The flooding underscored the urgent need for a national framework to tackle the growing threats posed by climate change and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

7. Stampedes

A series of tragic stampedes during food distribution events in December 2024 highlighted the deepening desperation among Nigerians amid economic hardship. The first incident occurred on December 18 at a holiday funfair in Ibadan, where at least 35 children lost their lives as crowds surged to access food and entertainment.

Just days later, on December 21, two more deadly stampedes unfolded. In Abuja, a charity event organized by a local church turned chaotic as over 1,000 attendees scrambled for food items, resulting in 10 deaths. On the same day, another stampede in Okija, Anambra State, claimed the lives of 22 people, mostly women and children, during a food distribution exercise.

These incidents underscored the dire economic conditions facing many Nigerians, as rising living costs pushed families to the brink. The sheer scale of the desperation seen at these events revealed the inadequacy of social safety nets and the urgent need for more robust poverty alleviation programs.

The government and organizers of the events faced backlash for poor crowd control measures and insufficient planning. Humanitarian organizations called for better coordination and oversight of such activities to prevent future tragedies. The stampedes served as a painful reminder of the human cost of economic hardship and the urgent need for systemic solutions to alleviate poverty.

8. Herbert Wigwe’s Tragic Death

The financial sector in Nigeria was thrown into mourning in early 2024 following the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent banking executive and co-founder of Access Bank. Wigwe died in a helicopter crash in California on February 9, 2024, an event that sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s corporate and financial circles.

Wigwe was widely regarded as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in transforming Access Bank into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions. His death marked a significant loss not only for the banking industry but also for Nigeria’s economic landscape, where his influence extended beyond finance to philanthropy and national development initiatives.

Tributes poured in from across the country and beyond, with colleagues, friends, and public figures praising his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy. The crash raised questions about aviation safety standards, both locally and internationally, prompting calls for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

In the aftermath of his death, Access Bank pledged to honor Wigwe’s legacy by continuing to prioritize innovation, excellence, and community impact. His passing left a void that underscored the importance of visionary leadership in driving Nigeria’s progress, inspiring many to uphold his values and contributions.

9. Return to Old National Anthem

In May 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a bill re-adopting Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” sparking mixed reactions across the country. The anthem, originally used from 1960 to 1978, was reinstated as part of a broader effort to reconnect Nigerians with their cultural heritage.

Supporters of the move argued that the anthem represents a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history, symbolizing the optimism and unity of the post-independence era. They believed its revival could foster a renewed sense of patriotism and national identity at a time when the country faced economic and social challenges.

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However, critics questioned the timing and necessity of the change, citing pressing issues such as insecurity and economic instability. They argued that the resources spent on reintroducing the anthem could have been better allocated to address more urgent national concerns. The debate highlighted divisions over how best to preserve and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Public opinion remained divided, with some embracing the nostalgic return of the anthem while others viewed it as a distraction from the country’s more pressing challenges. The re-adoption of “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” reignited conversations about national identity, unity, and the role of symbols in shaping collective consciousness.

10. Abducted Dr. Ganiyat Popoola

The abduction and eventual release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola in 2024 was a harrowing saga that gripped the nation. Dr. Popoola, a medical doctor abducted on December 27, 2023, spent ten months in captivity before regaining her freedom in October 2024. Her ordeal highlighted the persistent insecurity in Nigeria and the dangers faced by professionals in the line of duty.

The abduction triggered nationwide outrage, particularly within the medical community. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) launched a nationwide strike in August 2024, demanding swift action to secure Dr. Popoola’s release and ensure the safety of health workers.

The strike paralyzed healthcare services across the country, putting additional pressure on an already strained system. Dr. Popoola’s release was eventually secured through a combination of negotiations and security operations, though details remained unclear. Her return was met with relief and jubilation, but it also reignited debates about the government’s capacity to protect its citizens and address rising cases of kidnapping.

Her case served as a reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. It underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in policing and intelligence gathering to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their profession or location.