The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has commended the Abia State Government for introducing measures aimed at strengthening security and expanding digital connectivity across the state, while urging authorities to ensure that enforcement of new restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations respects human rights.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the civil society organisation praised the government’s decision to restrict commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas, establish a Citizens Engagement Centre and pursue a statewide digital connectivity initiative.
According to FENRAD, the initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving public safety, governance and technology-driven development.
The organisation, however, stressed that the success of the reforms would depend on transparent implementation, accountability and sustained engagement with citizens, civil society groups, transport unions, youth organisations and community leaders.
“Security and development are mutually reinforcing pillars of good governance. We commend the Abia State Government for taking deliberate steps to address security concerns while investing in digital transformation,” Nwafor said.
“However, all security interventions must remain consistent with constitutional guarantees, human rights standards, and the principles of accountability and inclusiveness.”
FENRAD called on the government to ensure that security personnel and enforcement agencies implement restrictions on commercial motorcycle operators professionally and lawfully, without harassment, extortion, discrimination or excessive use of force.
The organisation said its support for the initiative was based on the expectation that enforcement would be intelligence-driven and rights-based, balancing public safety with the protection of the livelihoods and dignity of law-abiding citizens.
It also urged the state government to establish a Rapid Response Citizens Centre as a specialised unit within the Citizens Engagement Centre to strengthen communication between residents and security agencies.
According to FENRAD, the proposed centre should facilitate real-time collection of security information from residents, emergency reporting, documentation of public complaints, monitoring of government responses, management of grievances arising from enforcement actions, community feedback and improved coordination among citizens, security agencies and relevant government institutions.
The organisation noted that such a mechanism would enhance public trust, improve intelligence gathering, strengthen early warning systems and provide residents with an accessible platform to contribute to community safety.
FENRAD further recommended the deployment of digital tools, including toll-free emergency lines, mobile applications and community-based reporting systems, to ensure residents in both urban and rural communities can easily report incidents and access government services.
It also advocated periodic stakeholder consultations and independent assessments of the security initiative to evaluate its effectiveness, address implementation challenges and ensure that vulnerable groups are not disproportionately affected.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting human rights, transparency, accountability, environmental sustainability and inclusive development, FENRAD expressed optimism that the reforms could become a model for other states if implemented effectively.
The organisation said that with robust citizen participation, the operationalisation of a Rapid Response Citizens Centre and strict adherence to human rights principles, Abia State could successfully balance security objectives with democratic governance and public confidence.
