Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised alarm over what it describes as Nigeria’s rapidly deteriorating human-rights situation, calling on authorities to end impunity, strengthen protections for citizens, and rebuild public trust in state institutions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark International Human Rights Day (IHRD) 2025, the organisation said governance failures, unchecked abuses by security agencies, growing insecurity, and severe socio-economic hardship have continued to erode the dignity and safety of millions of Nigerians.
CAPPA noted that the year has been marked by “grim reminders” of the country’s deepening crisis. It referenced reports of 570 killings and 278 kidnappings recorded nationwide in April, as well as 275,256 human-rights abuse complaints documented by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in May, describing the figures as incompatible with a society that claims to uphold human rights.
The group expressed concern over systemic violations, including widespread attacks on women and girls, mass abductions, and the state’s persistent failure to protect communities, schools, and vulnerable groups.
According to the organisation, Nigerians are currently facing a convergence of civil, political, social, and economic rights violations. It cited continuing cases of excessive force against peaceful protesters and the lack of accountability for the 24 unarmed citizens killed during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, insisting that the abuses “still cast a long shadow in 2025.”
CAPPA also highlighted growing pressures on journalists and media workers, noting reports of 69 attacks on journalists this year, with 74 per cent allegedly carried out by state actors, according to a 2025 Media Rights Agenda (MRA) report.
“When those charged with protecting rights become their violators, democracy itself is endangered,” the statement said.
The organisation warned that the erosion of rights is compounded by the country’s economic crisis, which has left millions struggling without reliable access to safe water, healthcare, housing, livelihoods, or social protection. These conditions, CAPPA said, amount to a “human-rights emergency,” not just an economic downturn.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government and other duty-bearers to take decisive action to reverse Nigeria’s “dangerous trajectory,” including ending impunity for security-force abuses, protecting journalists and activists, strengthening oversight institutions, and addressing the socio-economic conditions driving mass suffering.
Marking IHRD 2025, the group stressed that the day “offers Nigeria a moment of reflection,” warning that the country cannot continue on a path where violence is normalised and institutions fail without consequence.
“People have the right to safety, justice and dignity,” the organisation said. “A credible response requires honesty about what is broken and a renewed commitment to rebuilding systems that restore them.”
CAPPA urged government, civil society and partners across sectors to pursue practical reforms capable of rebuilding trust, closing protection gaps, and ensuring Nigerians can live without fear or deprivation.
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