A social media movement, the #30DayRantChallenge, is gaining traction among Nigerian youths as they express deep frustrations over economic hardship, rising costs, and government policies. The movement, which originated on the platform X (formerly Twitter), was seemingly triggered by a viral video from a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, known as Raye.
In the now-widely shared video, Raye criticized the government for the country’s soaring cost of living, highlighting that a crate of eggs costs over ₦6,000—far above the reported 2024 average of ₦3,000 to ₦4,000 in cities like Lagos and Abuja. She also lamented that NYSC allowances were insufficient to sustain corps members. Following her video, reports surfaced that NYSC officials pressured her to take it down, sparking widespread online outrage and the launch of the #30DayRantChallenge.
Growing Discontent
The hashtag has become a rallying point for Nigerians to share their struggles. Many posts describe extreme financial strain, difficulty affording healthcare, and frustration with government inaction. One post from user @only1Raregem reads, “We’re suffering, we’re struggling, things are way more expensive, students can no longer afford the barest comfort, we are starving in school. Nigeria sucks.”
Others have raised concerns about healthcare failures. “As someone with asthma, Nigeria is after my life. I can’t survive if this continues, please end this hardship. We’re human beings, not animals,” posted @khriistmaaxz.
Political and Public Support
The movement has garnered support from prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who likened Raye’s activism to that of historical figures like Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also weighed in, condemning threats against Raye and calling such actions undemocratic. Amnesty International has urged authorities to respect her rights and protect her from harassment.
Potential for Escalation
Despite the growing online presence of the challenge, the Nigerian government and NYSC have yet to issue an official response. Concerns are rising about whether authorities will attempt to suppress the movement, as some users speculate that access to X could be restricted, similar to previous crackdowns on dissent.
While the movement remains digital for now, discussions about potential street protests have surfaced, with comparisons to the 2020 EndSARS demonstrations against police brutality.
As the #30DayRantChallenge continues to gain momentum, it remains unclear how authorities will respond. What is certain, however, is that Nigerian youths are making their voices heard, refusing to remain silent in the face of economic struggles.