The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned that Nigeria’s democracy, economy and security architecture are in a state of severe distress, calling for urgent reforms to protect citizens and restore public trust in national institutions.
The alarm was raised on Monday in Kano during a State of the Nation press briefing delivered by CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi.
Speaking, Comrade Zikirullahi said the country is “at a moment of reckoning,” stressing that deepening corruption, worsening insecurity, reckless economic policies, and a collapsing health system have pushed millions of Nigerians into fear and despair.
He described the event as a national call to conscience rather than a routine press conference.
Democratic Decline and Alleged Corruption
CHRICED expressed concern that Nigeria’s democratic space is shrinking, citing recent defections of opposition governors and lawmakers to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation said allegations of bribery and inducements behind the defections amount to “a coordinated assault on political pluralism.”
Comrade Zikirullhi also condemned claims that lawmakers pay between N1 million and N3 million to present motions and bills in the National Assembly.
He referenced the allegation by Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, that aides in the Presidential Villa demand bribes before granting access to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an accusation the presidency has not addressed.
He said the authorities' silence amounts to complicity and demanded immediate, independent investigations into all allegations to restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
Economic Hardship and Borrowing Concerns
On the economy, CHRICED argued that, despite government claims of Naira stabilisation and a reduction in inflation to 18.02%, Nigerians continue to face severe poverty, food price hikes, and unbearable living costs.
Comrade Zikirullahi faulted the removal of fuel subsidies, increased electricity tariffs and rising taxation, insisting that government borrowing has become excessive and directionless.
He warned that mortgaging the future through constant domestic and external loans, despite claims of surpassing the 2025 IGR target, shows “a troubling lack of fiscal discipline.”
CHRICED called on President Tinubu to stop the borrowing spree and invest instead in job creation and youth empowerment to address rising crime linked to unemployment and hopelessness.
Escalating Insecurity Nationwide
The organisation said Nigeria is “a nation under siege,” with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and communal violence spreading across nearly all regions.
The recent abduction of six directors from the Ministry of Defence in Kogi State, with kidnappers demanding N150 million, was cited as evidence of a failing security system.
Comrade Zikirullahi warned that reports of possible U.S. military intervention over persistent security failures highlight Nigeria’s declining global credibility. He urged the government to overhaul security agencies and prioritise citizen protection.
Health Sector on the Brink of Collapse
CHRICED also decried the state of the health sector, noting that Nigeria spends just 5% of its national budget on health, far below the 15% Abuja Declaration target.
Only 36% of capital health spending was released, leaving hospitals underfunded and pushing 75% of health costs onto citizens through out-of-pocket payments.
The ongoing strike by resident doctors, Comrade Zikirullahi said, is worsening an already collapsing system.
CHRICED’s Ongoing Interventions
Despite national challenges, he highlighted CHRICED’s work in Kano State under the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare (FMCH) Law project supported by MISEREOR.
The organisation has developed a costed action plan, trained civil society groups, distributed 4,000 copies of the FMCH Law, and conducted multilingual awareness campaigns and town halls across all 44 LGAs.
He said these interventions are saving lives and rebuilding public trust in social institutions.
Advocacy for Indigenous FCT Communities
CHRICED renewed its demand for justice for indigenous communities of the Federal Capital Territory, who were displaced during the capital relocation but remain economically and politically marginalised.
Comrade Zikirullahi described their situation as “a constitutional anomaly that must be corrected.”
Call to Action
The organisation urged civil society, journalists, religious and traditional leaders, and citizens to reject apathy and confront corruption, insecurity and economic mismanagement.
It also called on the international community to support grassroots movements pushing for accountability.
Zikirullahi also appealed to Nigeria’s youth to remain hopeful and take leadership roles in rebuilding the country.
He ended by urging political leaders to rethink “endless borrowing” and invest in jobs, industries, and opportunities that give citizens dignity, saying Nigeria stands at a crossroads between renewal and decline.
Also speaking, the Desk Officer for MISEREOR, Mrs Hannelore Henn-Sories, says the organisation remains committed to supporting efforts that address Nigeria’s challenges despite declining financial resources.
