A coalition of civil society groups in Kano State warned on Wednesday that Nigeria’s fragile security, corruption-plagued judiciary, and deepening economic woes threaten to derail the country’s democratic future as it marks 65 years of independence.
In a statement titled “A Nation on Edge at 65: Security, Judicial Challenges, and the Urgent Need to Reclaim the Nigerian Dream,” the League of Civil Society Organizations in Kano said the government must urgently address insecurity, corruption, and institutional decay if the country is to achieve meaningful progress.
“Independence Day should be a moment of pride, unity, and renewed commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and prosperity. Yet, for many Nigerians, this day is overshadowed by deep-seated concerns about insecurity, institutional decay, and the erosion of public trust,” the groups said.
While acknowledging recent gains in counter-terrorism, including the arrest of leaders of the Mahmuda terrorist group and the rescue of over 128 kidnap victims in Zamfara, the coalition warned that such victories remain fragile.
“The broader picture remains troubling,” it said. “The North West continues to grapple with organized banditry, mass abductions, and targeted killings. In the first half of 2025 alone, at least 2,266 people were killed by insurgents and armed bandits across Nigeria, surpassing the total casualties recorded in all of 2024.”
The groups also highlighted the economic consequences of insecurity, saying farming activities have been disrupted, villages abandoned, and millions pushed toward hunger. Projections suggest that more than 33 million Nigerians could face crisis-level food insecurity during the 2025 lean season, a 32% increase from last year.
On corruption, the statement cited Transparency International’s 2024 index, which ranked Nigeria 140 out of 180 countries, and Afrobarometer findings that 54% of Nigerians believe most judges are corrupt.
“A democracy without a credible judiciary is a democracy in name only,” the coalition said. “The erosion of public trust in Nigeria’s justice system threatens the very foundation of the rule of law and civic engagement.”
The League urged comprehensive reforms in security, judicial integrity, and fiscal transparency, including the creation of special courts for terrorism and kidnapping, open contracting in public projects, and tougher action against oil theft, which it said cost the country ₦8.41 trillion between 2021 and mid-2025.
“These recommendations are not abstract ideals; they are actionable imperatives,” the groups said. “The Nigerian Dream, a nation where every citizen can live free from fear, pursue a meaningful livelihood, and trust in the fairness of institutions, is still within reach. But it requires bold leadership, civic vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to reform.”
The statement was endorsed by more than 20 civic leaders, including representatives of the Wuro Development Concerns, Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement, and the Campaign for Democracy.