CISLAC, SERAP, CITAD, CHRICED 48 other CSOs raise alarm over worsening socio-economic, insecurity
A coalition of over 50 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a strong warning over what it described as Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic and security conditions, calling for urgent and decisive action to avert a looming national crisis.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the groups said the country is “on the brink of collapse,” citing escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and declining governance standards as major concerns threatening national stability.
The CSOs, acting as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights, and good governance, lamented that while citizens continue to grapple with hardship, political leaders remain disconnected from the realities on the ground.
They painted a grim picture of living conditions across the country, noting that displaced farmers in Zamfara are languishing in poor conditions, residents in Abuja are burdened by rising transportation costs, and families in Lagos are struggling to meet basic needs, including food and housing.
According to the statement, recent economic reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, naira floating, and increased public borrowing have significantly boosted government revenues. However, the groups decried that these gains have not translated into improved living standards for Nigerians.
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“Federal budgets have exceeded ₦100 trillion in the last two years, yet public services continue to deteriorate, inequality is widening, and citizens are getting poorer,” the statement noted.
The coalition highlighted key areas of concern, including worsening insecurity marked by killings, abductions, and mass displacement, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions. It also warned of the devastating impact of banditry on agriculture and food supply, contributing to rising inflation and hunger.
The groups further described kidnapping as a “nationwide epidemic,” affecting schoolchildren and commuters alike, while expressing concern over shrinking civic space, where journalists and activists face harassment and threats.
On governance, the CSOs accused public officials of perpetuating corruption and failing to ensure accountability, despite increased revenue allocations. They also raised concerns about economic inequality, unemployment, and currency instability worsening the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
The statement warned of growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing political interference, erosion of public trust, and the influence of illicit funds in the political space.
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It also expressed worry over declining confidence in the judiciary, alleging undue political influence and delays in the dispensation of justice.
To address the challenges, the coalition outlined key demands, urging government at all levels to prioritise economic justice by translating revenues into tangible benefits such as job creation, affordable healthcare, and food security.
They also called for strengthened security coordination, decisive action against corruption, protection of civic freedoms, electoral reforms, and urgent steps to restore judicial independence and credibility.
“Nigerians deserve relief, justice, and dignity, not just slogans,” the groups stated, stressing that leadership must move beyond rhetoric to concrete action.
SolaceBase reports that the statement was jointly signed by prominent organisations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Yiaga Africa, and several others.
The CSOs concluded by urging leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens, warning that continued inaction could further endanger the nation’s future.
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