By Abubakar Yunusa
Security agencies must adopt less confrontational approaches to handling protests, fostering trust and encouraging dialogue between citizens and the state, the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has recommended.
This call was made during the public presentation of KDI’s final report titled “Beyond the Protest: Towards Governance Reforms after the #EndBadGovernance Protests,” held in Abuja on Friday.
The report highlights the need for constructive engagement between the government, civil society, and citizens to ensure lasting governance reforms.
The report urges the government to prioritize dialogue, implement meaningful reforms, and uphold human rights and democratic principles.
It also calls on civil society organizations (CSOs) and media outlets to amplify public concerns, promote advocacy, and ensure transparency.
“Civil society organizations should prioritize post-protest engagements to sustain the momentum of movements like #EndBadGovernance and channel their demands into actionable outcomes,” the report stated.
The report further advocates for the establishment of inclusive platforms for citizens, especially marginalized groups, to participate in policy-making processes.
” Protest organizers and movement leaders are encouraged to remain unified and strategic, while influencers and the international community are urged to spread awareness and counter misinformation”.
The report analyzed data from the #EndBadGovernance protests, emphasizing that these movements can serve as a roadmap for civic engagement.
“By addressing challenges holistically and fostering collaboration across sectors, these protests can pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and democratic Nigeria,” it noted.
Bukola Idowu, KDI’s Executive Director, described the report as a clarion call to action.
“Our findings aim to inform policy decisions, guide advocacy efforts, and inspire citizens to actively promote good governance, human rights, and social justice,” he said.
Idowu expressed gratitude to KDI’s partners, stakeholders, and research team for their contributions to the study.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s history of protests, dating back to the colonial era, demonstrates their role as powerful catalysts for social change.
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