European Policymakers Must Protect Human Rights And Address Security Failures In Nigeria – OpEd
By Abeni Adeoye
Rich in culture, resources, and potential, the continuing human rights abuses and deteriorating security situation in Nigeria demands the immediate attention of the international community, not least given its strategic importance to Europe.
There are close, long-established links between European policymakers and Nigeria, particularly in the UK, ties that are becoming increasingly important as Europe, and a post-Brexit UK, considers how to best position itself in an increasingly competitive world. It goes without saying, however, that Nigeria—in its present state of general instability which include the ongoing threat of kidnappings, and unchecked corruption poses a severe threat not only to its own citizens but also to international business and foreign investment in the country, including those from Europe.
A stable, democratic Nigeria is important not only for the country’s future but also in respect to Europe’s wider-ranging economic and geopolitical aims on the African continent. The UK and Nigeria have historically enjoyed close relations; from the 19th century up to the early 20th century, these relations reached their height when in 1914 Nigeria became a British protectorate. Even after Nigeria gained long overdue independence in 1960, political, economic, and social systems set up during British colonial rule left a long-lasting impact. While current issues in the country obviously cannot be blamed, in their entirety, on this colonial legacy, Britain’s former policy of indirect rule and its arbitrary imposition of borders that ignore Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity are indeed partially responsible for the instability which the country now faces. It now more critical than ever that European leaders exhibit their commitment to democratic development and human rights in the country, while addressing the critical security failures that continue to destabilize Africa’s most populous nation.
The security situation in Nigeria has dramatically deteriorated to alarming levels, with kidnapping for ransom becoming a daily hazard these days. Just about every year, people in their thousands fall prey to kidnappings, more often than not with fatal consequences. Organized gangs spurred on by jihadist ideologies, organized crime, and even occultism have been grossly encouraged, with criminals acting with impunity to little repercussion from the police. Gangs frequently mount roadblocks across busy highways, including those leading towards international airports, taking hostage anyone that fits their predetermined profile, leaving no one alone, not even foreigners, businesspeople or tourists, targeting civilian infrastructure including hotels and universities.
The deepening crisis has continued without any substantial action from the Nigerian government or security services. The current Inspector General of the Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has shown neither the will nor capability to stop the ongoing catastrophic crime wave, has nevertheless remained in office. Because of the inability of the police to keep criminal elements in check, a life of fear has been created for quite literally, the entire Nigerian population. Aside from very obvious security considerations, under such conditions, the likelihood is naturally very low that foreign companies and investors will continue with their work in Nigeria is very low. Even Chinese companies have begun to despite the potential financial reward, find the risks too great as their employees have particularly suffered at the hands of such kidnappings.
It is and will continue to be impossible for Nigeria to achieve sustainable growth or development if security concerns continue to undermine the ability of local and international businesses to operate safely. In an environment where attacks on private industry are common and when they occur, are not adequately prosecuted, economic growth simply is not sustainable.
A continuation of the current state of affairs is a disaster for Nigeria’s future. Real security for its citizens is what is required. Concurrently, human rights abuses in Nigeria, must be addressed. These have only worsened in recent years. The 2020 #EndSARS protests, which began as a result of police brutality, exhibited the distance which the Nigerian government would go to quash peaceful protests. Concrete and concerning allegations have been raised regarding extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and the harassment of journalists and human rights activists. Although the government has promised to root out such behaviour, justice has yet to be served, and the public trust in the government’s commitment to the rule of law has only been further eroded.
Recent years have seen the intensification of the crackdown on opposition voices and independent journalists under the leadership of General of the Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Over 50 journalists were arrested, detained, or harassed between 2021 and 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The was exemplified in the case of investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who exposed corruption and human rights violations, and as a result, faced threats and harassment from government forces and was accused of illegal activities such as hacking. In 2023, Nigeria ranked 123rd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, a sharp, and continuing, decline in media freedom.
Leadership in Europe and the United Kingdom cannot afford to remain passive observers. Diplomatic pressure must increase, the government must see that there is a concrete cost to their not prioritizing security, respecting human rights, and restoring the rule of law. Supporting Nigerian civil society organizations and independent media through financial and technical assistance will be crucial to fostering accountability and empowering citizens to demand better governance.
