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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A coalition of more than 50 civil society organisations, including Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISILAC) Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has issued a warning that Nigeria is sliding deeper into a socio-economic and security crisis that demands immediate government intervention.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups said Nigeria is edging dangerously close to instability, pointing to escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and weakening governance as critical threats to national cohesion.
They lamented what they described as a growing disconnect between political leaders and ordinary citizens, noting that while Nigerians grapple with severe economic hardship, those in power appear increasingly out of touch with realities on the ground.
The coalition painted a grim picture of living conditions nationwide. They highlighted the plight of displaced farmers in northern regions forced to survive in dire circumstances, the surge in transportation costs within the Federal Capital Territory, and the mounting struggle of households in major cities like Lagos to meet basic needs.
While acknowledging that recent economic policies including the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and increased government borrowing have led to higher public revenues, the CSOs argued that these gains have failed to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
According to the statement, government spending has surpassed ₦100 trillion over the past two years, yet public services continue to decline, inequality is widening, and more citizens are being pushed into poverty.
The groups also expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security landscape, citing persistent killings, kidnappings, and widespread displacement, particularly across the North and Middle Belt. They warned that banditry has severely disrupted farming activities, worsening food shortages and fueling inflation.
Describing kidnapping as a “nationwide epidemic,” the coalition said the menace now affects schoolchildren, travelers, and entire communities across the country.
On governance, the CSOs accused public officials of failing to uphold accountability despite increased revenues, stressing that corruption and poor resource management remain major obstacles to national development. They further warned of a shrinking civic space, alleging that journalists and activists are facing growing intimidation and harassment.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the organisations voiced concern over mounting threats to Nigeria’s democracy, including political interference, eroding public trust, and the influence of illicit money in politics. They also pointed to rising doubts about the independence of the judiciary.
To reverse the trend, the coalition urged governments at all levels to prioritise economic justice, ensuring that increased revenues translate into job creation, affordable healthcare, and improved food security.
They also called for enhanced security coordination, stronger anti-corruption measures, protection of civic freedoms, and urgent reforms to restore the credibility and independence of the judiciary.
“Nigerians deserve relief, justice, and dignity, not just slogans,” the statement declared, warning that continued inaction could further jeopardize the nation’s future.