By DAYO ADESULU
Civil society statement on Nigeria sparks alarm over insecurity, poverty, and governance crisis
A coalition of over 50 civil society organisations has raised a grave alarm over what it described as the deteriorating state of Nigeria, warning that the country is edging dangerously close to collapse.
In a strongly worded joint statement released on Tuesday, the groups called for immediate and decisive action from political leaders, citing worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, and what they termed a steady erosion of democratic values.
The civil society statement on Nigeria paints a bleak picture of everyday life across the country, where citizens struggle to survive while government revenues continue to rise.
Growing hardship amid rising government revenues
According to the coalition, Nigerians are facing increasing economic hardship despite record government earnings in recent years. The groups noted that policy decisions such as fuel subsidy removal, naira floating, and increased borrowing have significantly boosted public revenue.
However, they argued that these gains have not translated into improved living conditions.
“In just the last two years, federal budgets have exceeded ₦100 trillion—more than the combined budgets between 1999 and 2017,” the statement said. “Yet, public services remain weak, inequality continues to grow, and ordinary citizens are becoming poorer.”
The organisations highlighted real-life scenarios across the country to illustrate the crisis. In Zamfara, displaced farmers reportedly live in dire conditions. In Abuja, a teacher now spends a significant portion of her income on transportation. In Lagos, families struggle to afford both rent and food.
Insecurity, banditry, and kidnapping worsen nationwide
The civil society statement on Nigeria identified insecurity as one of the most pressing concerns. The groups said killings, abductions, and mass displacement have become routine in many parts of the country, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
They warned that weak coordination among security agencies and a lack of political will continue to hamper efforts to address the crisis.
Banditry, the coalition added, has severely disrupted agricultural activities, leading to food shortages and rising inflation. With many farmers abandoning their lands due to fear, food prices have surged, pushing millions closer to hunger.
Kidnapping has also evolved into what the groups described as a “nationwide industry,” affecting both rural and urban populations. From schoolchildren in Sokoto to commuters in Abuja, no demographic appears safe.
Concerns over shrinking civic space and corruption
Beyond security challenges, the coalition expressed concern over what it called a shrinking civic space in Nigeria. Journalists and activists increasingly face harassment, while peaceful protests are often suppressed.
“A democracy that fears its citizens is already in decline,” the statement noted.
The civil society statement on Nigeria also accused public officials of failing to curb corruption, despite growing national resources. According to the groups, poor accountability has left critical infrastructure in disrepair, with roads, hospitals, and schools suffering neglect.
They argued that corruption continues to drain public funds, while citizens receive little to no benefit from government spending.
Warnings over 2027 elections and judicial credibility
Looking ahead, the coalition raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly in relation to the 2027 general elections.
The groups warned that political actors appear more focused on succession battles than governance, raising fears about electoral manipulation and the influx of illicit funds into politics.
They also pointed to a decline in public trust in the judiciary, alleging political interference and delays in the delivery of justice.
“Justice delayed or influenced is justice denied,” the statement stressed, calling for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the legal system.
Civil society demands urgent reforms
In response to the challenges outlined, the coalition issued a series of demands to the government.
First, they called for economic reforms that directly improve citizens’ lives, including job creation, affordable healthcare, and access to food.
Second, they urged authorities to prioritise security through better coordination, intelligence gathering, and community protection strategies.
The groups also demanded a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, including swift prosecution of offenders and greater transparency in public spending.
To safeguard democracy, they called for electoral reforms ahead of 2027, stronger political finance regulations, and an end to the politicisation of key institutions.
Additionally, the coalition emphasised the need to protect fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and activists.
Finally, they urged the government to restore judicial independence and ensure timely access to justice for all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must choose humanity over politics”
The civil society statement on Nigeria concluded with a powerful message, warning that continued inaction could have severe consequences for the country.
“Nigerians are paying the price of political excesses,” the groups said. “Every naira of public money must be felt in the life of the ordinary citizen—anything less is betrayal.”
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and good governance, while standing in solidarity with citizens facing hardship across the nation.
“The time for excuses is over,” the statement declared. “Nigeria must choose humanity over politics.”
Broad coalition of organisations backs statement
The statement was endorsed by prominent organisations including ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, and Yiaga Africa, among dozens of others.
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