As economic hardship deepens, frustrated Nigerian youths have taken to social media with the viral ’30 Days Rants Challenge,’ using the platform to voice their discontent over the worsening cost of living under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The challenge, which has gained widespread traction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, sees young Nigerians posting daily rants about their struggles, highlighting the difficulty of affording basic necessities, especially food. The movement reflects the growing frustration among citizens as inflation skyrockets and job opportunities remain scarce.
One of the most recurring themes in these rants is the struggle to afford three square meals a day. Many participants share personal experiences of skipping meals, surviving on basic staples, and watching food prices climb beyond reach. The rising cost of rice, beans, bread, and other essentials has left countless households unable to meet daily nutritional needs.
A social media user, @AdeoluWrites, lamented, “Eating three square meals is now a luxury. Even garri, our last hope, is no longer affordable! What exactly are we supposed to do?”
Another participant, @ZainabSpeaks, shared, “I have a degree, yet I hustle daily just to afford transport fare and food. The government promised economic relief, but all we get is more suffering.”
Beyond food, many youths also express frustration over the lack of job opportunities, rising transportation costs, epileptic power supply, and insecurity. The challenge has become more than just a venting space—it is a reflection of widespread desperation, pushing many young people to the edge.
Economic analysts have linked the situation to Nigeria’s soaring inflation, which stood at 29.9% as of February 2024, further eroding purchasing power. Despite government assurances of economic reforms, many Nigerians argue that these policies have yet to translate into tangible relief.
Many participants insist that unless urgent interventions are made—such as improved job creation, price control measures, and economic stimulus packages—youth discontent may continue to escalate.
