The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), an Environmental and Human Rights Advocacy, is deeply concerned about the growing abuse of security institutions by the executive arm of government, the worsening insecurity across the country, the persistent mismanagement of security votes, and the glaring absence of a social safety net for vulnerable Nigerians.
In recent times, we have witnessed how security agencies—originally established to safeguard the lives and rights of citizens—are increasingly being misused for political ends. This includes the intimidation of civil society voices, the harassment of opposition figures, and the suppression of peaceful protests. Such practices not only undermine Nigeria’s democratic fabric but also threaten the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
Even more troubling is the increasing insecurity in nearly every region of the country. From terrorism in the North East to banditry in the North West, herder-farmer conflicts in the Middle Belt, and separatist agitations in the South East, the Nigerian state appears overwhelmed. Despite repeated assurances, the government has failed to deploy effective, lasting solutions.
Misuse and Lack of Transparency in Security Votes
FENRAD highlights the rampant abuse and lack of transparency surrounding security votes—special funds allocated to federal and state executives purportedly for tackling security challenges. These funds, which often run into billions of naira annually, remain largely unaccounted for.
Security votes are not subject to legislative oversight or public audit, and in many instances, they have become slush funds for personal enrichment or political patronage rather than tools for improving citizen safety. This lack of accountability fuels corruption, weakens the fight against insecurity, and diverts scarce public resources away from real security needs and social development.
A Nation Without a Social Security Net
Amid this backdrop of insecurity and economic hardship, millions of Nigerians continue to live without any form of social protection. Rising inflation, youth unemployment, poor access to healthcare, and food insecurity are pushing citizens into deeper poverty. Yet, successive governments have failed to implement a robust social security system that guarantees minimum support for those most at risk.
It Is Time to Rewrite the Rights
FENRAD believes that the current crisis demands a bold national rethinking—a rewriting of the rights of Nigerians to include not just civil and political liberties, but also economic, environmental, and social rights. In a country rich in natural and human resources, no citizen should be left behind, unprotected or unheard.
We therefore call on:
1. The Executive – to end the politicization of security agencies and ensure security votes are transparently managed and directed toward genuine public safety measures.
2. The Legislature – to pass laws that mandate oversight of security spending and enshrine social protections in our national budgetary priorities.
3. Anti-Corruption Agencies – to investigate and audit the use of security votes at both state and federal levels.
4. Civil Society and the Media – to continue shining a light on misuse of power, corruption, and the shrinking civic space.
5. The Citizens – to organize, demand accountability, and insist on a system that protects their rights and dignity.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The time to act is now. It is time to rewrite the rights—toward a just, secure, and inclusive nation.
