A coalition of 52 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security, economic, and governance challenges, warning that the country is “on the brink of collapse” if urgent actions are not taken.
The groups, in a joint statement titled “Joint Civil Society Statement on the State of the Nigerian Nation,” called for responsible leadership and collective action to address escalating insecurity, poverty, and what they described as moral decay in public life.
The CSOs, acting as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights, and good governance, lamented that while citizens continue to suffer hardship, political leaders remain focused on rhetoric rather than solutions.
They cited grim realities across the country, including displaced farmers in Zamfara living in poor conditions, rising cost of living in Abuja, and families in Lagos struggling to afford basic needs.
According to the coalition, recent economic reforms such as subsidy removal, naira floating, and increased public borrowing have significantly boosted government revenues, with federal budgets exceeding ₦100 trillion in the last two years.
However, the groups noted that despite the increased revenues, there has been little improvement in citizens’ welfare, as public services continue to decline and inequality worsens.
The CSOs identified eight major areas of concern affecting the country’s stability:
They highlighted rising insecurity marked by killings, abductions, and mass displacement across the North and Middle Belt, stressing that weak security coordination and lack of political will have compounded the crisis.
The coalition also decried the impact of rural banditry on agriculture, noting that it has disrupted food production, increased inflation, and worsened hunger nationwide.
On kidnapping, the groups described it as a “national epidemic,” affecting schoolchildren, commuters, and communities, with ransom payments becoming a common survival strategy.
They further raised alarm over the shrinking civic space, alleging harassment of journalists, threats against activists, and suppression of peaceful protests.
The CSOs criticised persistent corruption and governance failures, noting that despite huge public spending, infrastructure, healthcare, and education remain in poor condition.
They also pointed to deepening economic hardship, rising unemployment, inflation, and widening inequality, describing poverty as Nigeria’s most visible institution.
On democracy, the coalition warned that political actors are already focused on the 2027 elections at the expense of governance, raising concerns about electoral integrity, political finance abuses, and weakening public trust.
The groups also expressed concern over declining judicial credibility, citing delays in justice delivery and alleged political interference in the courts.
Demands
The coalition called on government at all levels to take immediate and concrete steps to address the challenges.
It urged authorities to translate increased revenues into tangible benefits such as job creation, social protection, affordable healthcare, and food security.
The CSOs also demanded improved coordination of national security efforts, enhanced intelligence gathering, and prioritisation of community protection.
They called for decisive action against corruption through transparent public spending and swift prosecution of offenders.
On democracy, the groups stressed the need for electoral reforms ahead of 2027, integrity in political financing, and an end to the politicisation of institutions.
They further urged the government to protect fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and civic participation, while ensuring the safety of journalists and activists.
The coalition also called for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the judiciary through independence, timely justice delivery, and improved access to justice.
The CSOs emphasised that Nigerians deserve “relief, justice, and dignity, not just slogans,” warning that continued political inaction could worsen the country’s situation.
“Every naira of public money must be felt in the life of the ordinary citizen; anything less is betrayal,” the statement said.
The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and good governance, while standing in solidarity with Nigerians facing hardship and insecurity.
They concluded that the time for excuses is over, urging leaders to prioritise humanity over politics.
The statement was jointly signed by prominent organisations including ActionAid Nigeria, Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Yiaga Africa, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), and 45 others.
