By Solomon OKPO
A coalition of 52 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a stark warning on the deteriorating state of the Nigerian nation, citing escalating insecurity, economic hardship, governance failures, and looming threats to democracy as indicators of a country “on the brink of collapse.”
In a joint statement titled “A Call to Action by Nigerian Civil Society Organisations,” the groups expressed deep concern over what they described as a widening disconnect between rising government revenues and worsening living conditions for ordinary citizens.
The organisations, acting as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights, and good governance, lamented that while public budgets have surged significantly in recent years, exceeding ₦100 trillion in the past two years, there has been little to no corresponding improvement in public welfare.
“Across the country, citizens count losses while politicians trade rhetoric,” the statement read, highlighting the plight of displaced farmers in Zamfara, struggling urban workers in Abuja, and families in Lagos grappling with rising living costs.
The CSOs identified eight critical areas of concern, including insecurity and violence, banditry-induced food shortages, a growing kidnapping epidemic, shrinking civic space, entrenched corruption, economic inequality, threats to the 2027 elections, and declining judicial credibility.
According to the coalition, killings, abductions, and displacement have become widespread, particularly in the North and Middle Belt, with many communities abandoned due to persistent attacks. They further warned that rural banditry has severely disrupted agricultural activities, driving food inflation and deepening hunger nationwide.
The statement also described kidnapping as a “nationwide industry,” affecting citizens across all regions and social classes, while raising alarm over increasing harassment of journalists, intimidation of activists, and suppression of peaceful protests.
On governance, the CSOs decried what they termed a systemic breakdown marked by unchecked corruption and lack of accountability, noting that despite massive public spending, critical infrastructure such as roads, healthcare facilities, and schools remain in poor condition.
The coalition further warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces significant risks ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing political interference, the influx of illicit funds into the political space, and declining public trust in institutions.
Equally troubling, the groups said, is the erosion of judicial credibility, alleging that political influence and delayed justice have undermined confidence in the judiciary.
To address the crisis, the CSOs outlined a series of demands, including the need for economic reforms that translate public revenues into tangible benefits, improved national security coordination, and decisive anti-corruption measures.
They also called for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of 2027, protection of civic freedoms, and urgent steps to restore the independence and efficiency of the judiciary.
“Nigerians deserve relief, justice, and dignity, not just slogans,” the statement declared, stressing that every naira of public funds must have a measurable impact on citizens’ lives.
The coalition concluded with a strong appeal to leaders at all levels to prioritise national interest over political ambitions, warning that continued inaction could further endanger the country’s stability.
“The time for excuses is over; Nigeria must choose humanity over politics,” the statement added.
