Nigeria crisis warnings intensified as over 50 civil society groups declared the country is nearing collapse, citing insecurity, poverty, and governance failures.
The coalition issued the statement in April 2026, calling for urgent action to prevent further decline across sectors and protect democracy ahead of 2027.
The groups, including ActionAid Nigeria and Amnesty International Nigeria, described worsening hardship nationwide.
โNigeria is on the brink of collapse,โ the coalition declared.
โWe issue this urgent plea for responsible leadership and collective action.โ
They pointed to rising hardship across regions, from displaced farmers in Zamfara to struggling urban workers in Abuja and Lagos.
Meanwhile, they said rising government revenues have not improved living conditions for citizens.
โNigerians see the numbers, but nothing has improved,โ the statement read.
Rising Hardship Amid Record Government Revenue
The coalition said recent policies, including subsidy removal and currency changes, increased public revenue significantly.
However, they argued that these gains have not translated into better public services or reduced poverty.
โPublic services falter, inequality grows, and ordinary citizens become poorer,โ they stated.
They warned that insecurity remains widespread, with killings and displacement affecting communities in the North and Middle Belt.
Furthermore, rural banditry has disrupted agriculture, worsening food shortages and inflation.
โHunger looms over millions of homes while farms lie abandoned in fear,โ the statement added.
Kidnapping was also described as a growing nationwide threat affecting both urban and rural populations.
โPaying ransom has replaced access to safety,โ the coalition said.
Demands for Urgent Reforms and Accountability
The groups called for immediate reforms to address governance failures and restore public trust.
โNigerians deserve relief, justice, and dignity, not just slogans,โ they declared.
They demanded that government revenue be redirected toward job creation, healthcare, and affordable food.
Furthermore, they urged stronger security coordination and improved intelligence systems.
โEnd corruption without exception and restore ethics in governance,โ they added.
The coalition also warned about threats to democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
โDefend democracy from being hijacked and ensure electoral integrity,โ the statement read.
They called for protection of journalists, activists, and citizensโ rights.
โRespect dissent and defend civic space from intimidation,โ they said.
Concerns were also raised about judicial independence and delays in justice delivery.
โGuarantee independence and deliver timely judgments,โ the coalition stated.
They concluded with a strong appeal to leaders to prioritise citizensโ welfare over political interests.
โEvery Naira of public money must be felt in the life of the ordinary citizen,โ they said.
โAnything less is betrayal.โ
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