A coalition of more than 50 civil society organisations has warned that Nigeria is facing a deepening national crisis marked by insecurity, poverty, corruption and declining democratic values.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups said the country was “on the brink of collapse” and urged leaders at all levels to take immediate action to address worsening hardship across the country.
The organisations, which described themselves as non-partisan advocates for democracy, human rights and good governance, said millions of Nigerians are suffering while political leaders continue to focus on power struggles and rhetoric.
According to the statement, insecurity, hunger and rising living costs have become the daily reality for many citizens. The groups cited the plight of displaced farmers in Zamfara, residents of Abuja struggling with transport costs, and families in Lagos forced to skip meals in order to pay rent.
The coalition argued that despite record government revenues following the removal of fuel subsidy, the floating of the naira and rising public debt, living conditions have continued to deteriorate.
It noted that federal budgets in the last two years have exceeded ₦100 trillion, surpassing the combined budgets between 1999 and 2017, yet there has been little improvement in public services or living standards.
The civil society groups identified insecurity and violence as one of the country’s most pressing problems, saying killings, kidnappings and mass displacement have become widespread, particularly in the North and Middle Belt.
They also warned that bandit attacks on rural communities have disrupted farming activities, worsened food shortages and contributed to rising inflation.
The statement further described kidnapping as a nationwide crisis, affecting everyone from schoolchildren in Sokoto to commuters in Abuja.
The organisations expressed concern over what they called a shrinking civic space, alleging that journalists, activists and protesters are increasingly being harassed or silenced.
They also accused public officials of failing to address corruption, saying large government budgets have not translated into better roads, hospitals or schools.
On the economy, the coalition said inflation, unemployment and naira instability have widened the gap between the rich and the poor, leaving millions of Nigerians in greater hardship.
The groups also raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that political manipulation and the growing influence of illicit funds could undermine the country’s multiparty system.
They said public confidence in the judiciary has also declined because of alleged political interference and delays in delivering justice.
The coalition called on the government to urgently convert increased revenue into social welfare programmes, jobs, affordable healthcare and cheaper food.
It also demanded stronger security coordination, improved intelligence gathering and better protection for vulnerable communities.
The groups urged authorities to tackle corruption through swift prosecution of offenders and greater transparency in public spending.
They further called for reforms to protect democracy, including changes to the electoral process before the 2027 elections, stronger political finance regulations and respect for internal party democracy.
The organisations also demanded greater protection for journalists, activists and citizens exercising their right to dissent, while calling for the independence of the judiciary to be restored.
“The time for excuses is over,” the coalition said. “Nigeria must choose humanity over politics.”