By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Abuja, Nigeria – The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Day of Democracy, urging Nigerian leaders to confront worsening insecurity, deepening economic hardship, and the shrinking civic space that threaten the nation’s 26-year democratic journey.
With this year’s theme, “From Voice to Action: Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy – Assessing Security, Economy, and Shrinking Civic Space,” FENRAD said the time has come to translate Nigerians’ democratic aspirations into meaningful reforms that improve lives.
Security: “A State of Emergency”
FENRAD lamented the worsening security situation across the country—ranging from insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, kidnapping in the Southeast, and farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt. The group warned that democracy cannot thrive in a climate of fear and violence, urging the Federal Government to overhaul security structures, prioritize intelligence-driven strategies, and uphold human rights in counter-insurgency operations.
Economy: “Democracy Must Deliver”
On the economic front, FENRAD expressed concern over the rise in poverty, inflation, and unemployment, worsened by fuel subsidy removal without effective social protections. The organization stressed that democracy loses meaning when it cannot deliver economic opportunities, calling for job creation, social safety nets, and inclusive planning that reflects the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
Civic Space: “Silencing the People’s Voice”
FENRAD also condemned the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, citing crackdowns on journalists, activists, and human rights defenders through harassment, arrests, and intimidation. It insisted that “a democracy that cannot tolerate criticism is no democracy at all.”
From Voice to Action
Concluding its statement, FENRAD said the International Day of Democracy should serve as a moment of deep reflection for Nigeria. It called on government, civil society, private sector, and the international community to unite around reforms that protect rights, strengthen institutions, and ensure that democracy works for all Nigerians.
“Now is the time to translate the voices of the people into meaningful action,”
the group emphasized.
Newspot Nigeria reproduces the full FENRAD statement below for the record:
PRESS STATEMENT
Abuja/ Nigeria
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
September 15, 2025
Commemorating the 2025 International Day of Democracy
Theme: “From Voice to Action: Reflecting on Nigeria’s 26 Years of Democracy – Assessing Security, Economy, and Shrinking Civic Space”
Today, on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) joins the global community in reaffirming the importance of democratic governance, civic participation, and accountable leadership. This year’s theme, “From Voice to Action,” is not only timely but critical for Nigeria as we mark 26 years since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Nigeria’s democratic journey has seen both progress and regression. While the conduct of regular elections and the peaceful transition of power are commendable, the core tenets of democracy—security of lives, economic empowerment, respect for human rights, and the protection of civic space—remain under serious threat.
1. National Security: A State of Emergency
Despite numerous promises and policies, security in Nigeria continues to deteriorate. Terrorist insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, kidnapping in the Southeast, and farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt have created a climate of fear and despair. In many rural and urban communities, citizens cannot go about their daily lives without fear of violence.
Democracy cannot thrive in a climate of insecurity. FENRAD calls on the Federal Government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture, prioritize intelligence-driven operations, and ensure that human rights are respected in all counter-insurgency efforts.
2. Economic Hardship: Democracy Must Deliver
The promise of democracy includes economic empowerment and social justice. However, millions of Nigerians are slipping into poverty, exacerbated by high inflation, rising unemployment, and the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate safety nets.
As food prices soar and wages stagnate, the gap between the government and the governed widens. Democracy loses its meaning when it fails to provide economic opportunities and protect the vulnerable.
We call for immediate reforms that include the provision of social safety nets, job creation policies, and inclusive economic planning that reflects the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
3. Shrinking Civic Space: Silencing the Voice of the People
Civil society, the media, and the general public are vital pillars of democracy. However, we have observed with concern the increasing clampdown on dissent, press freedom, and peaceful assembly. Activists, journalists, and human rights defenders continue to face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and even enforced disappearances.
A democracy that cannot tolerate criticism is no democracy at all. We urge the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and work towards strengthening—rather than weakening—democratic institutions.
Conclusion: From Voice to Action
The International Day of Democracy 2025 must serve as a moment of deep reflection and urgent action. Democracy is not just about casting ballots every four years—it is about justice, equity, security, accountability, and inclusive governance.
FENRAD calls on all stakeholders—government, civil society, private sector, and the international community—to commit to democratic reforms that prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people. Now is the time to translate the voices of the people into meaningful action.
Long live democracy.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed,
Comrade Nelson Nnanna
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 08033383708, 07062949232
www.fenrad.org.ng
Newspot Nigeria
