The 2020 “EndSARS” Protest:

Propelling factors and government approach to managing the protest in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Civil disobedience and protests around the world are geared towards a demand for improved quality of life. Nigeria’s 2020 EndSARS protest was the largest in the history of the country. The protest was geared toward the need to bring about significant change in governance and people-oriented policies. However, the government's approach to managing the protest has been generally criticized with the deployment of the army and police which resulted in the killing of some protesters. This examined the government’s approach in the management of the EndSARS protest in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative approach to data collection using in-depth interviews (IDI). Twelve (12) respondents who were involved in the protest were purposively selected based on their willingness and availability. The data collected were coded using NViVo version 11 and analyzed with content and thematic analysis while a distribution table was used to present the demographic information of the respondents. Findings highlighted the propelling and sustaining factors during the protest and the expectations of the protesters from the government. The study recommends the need for an improved communication channel between the government and the people which social workers can facilitate. There is also the need for improved social welfare programmes that create economic opportunities for Nigerian citizens, especially the youth.