European policymakers must protect human rights and address security challenges in Nigeria – OpEd

The ongoing human rights violations and deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, rich in culture, resources and potential, require the immediate attention of the international community, not least because of its strategic importance for Europe.

There are close, long-standing ties between European policymakers and Nigeria, especially in Britain. These ties are becoming increasingly important as Europe, and a post-Brexit Britain, considers how best to position itself in an increasingly competitive world. However, it goes without saying that Nigeria – in its current state of general instability, accompanied by the persistent threat of kidnappings and unchecked corruption, poses a serious 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 with regard to Europe’s broader economic and geopolitical objectives on the African continent. Britain and Nigeria have historically had close relations; from the 19th century to the early 20th century, these relations reached their peak when Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1914. Even after Nigeria gained independence way back in 1960, the political, economic and social systems established during British colonial rule had a long-lasting impact. While the current problems in the country cannot of course be attributed entirely to this colonial legacy, the former British policy of indirect rule and the arbitrary imposition of borders that ignore Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity are indeed partly responsible for the instability in which the country is in now. faces. It is now more important than ever that European leaders demonstrate their commitment to democratic development and human rights in the country, while addressing the critical security deficiencies that continue to destabilize Africa’s most populous country.

The security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated dramatically to alarming levels, with kidnappings for ransom now a daily hazard. Almost every year, thousands of people 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 operating with impunity, with little repercussions from police. Gangs regularly set up roadblocks along busy highways, including those leading to international airports, and take hostage anyone who fits their predetermined profile, leaving no one alone, not even foreigners, businessmen or tourists, and target civilian infrastructure, including hotels and universities.

The deepening crisis has continued without any substantive 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 the ability to stop the ongoing catastrophic crime wave, has nevertheless remained in office. The inability of the police to control criminal elements has created a life of fear for literally the entire Nigerian population. Apart from very obvious security concerns, there is obviously very little chance that foreign companies and investors will continue to operate in Nigeria under such circumstances. Even Chinese companies are beginning to consider the risks too great, despite the potential financial reward, as their employees in particular have suffered the consequences of such kidnappings.

It is and will remain impossible for Nigeria to achieve sustainable growth or development if security issues 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 do occur, are not adequately prosecuted, economic growth is simply not sustainable.

A continuation of the current state of affairs will be a disaster for the future of Nigeria. Real security for citizens is what is needed. At the same time, human rights violations in Nigeria must be addressed. These have only worsened in recent years. The 2020 #EndSARS protests, which started as a result of police brutality, showed how aloof the Nigerian government would be to suppress peaceful protests. Concrete and worrying allegations have been made regarding extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions and the intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders. While the government has pledged to root out such behavior, justice has yet to be served and public confidence in the government’s commitment to the rule of law has only further eroded.

In recent years, the crackdown on opposition voices and independent journalists has intensified under the leadership of Nigerian Police Force General Kayode Egbetokun. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), more than fifty journalists have been arrested, detained or harassed between 2021 and 2023. An example of this was the case of investigative journalist David Hundeyin, who exposed corruption and human rights abuses, and as a result faced threats and intimidation from government forces and was accused of illegal activities such as hacking. In 2023, Nigeria ranked 123rd^rdof the 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, a sharp and sustained decline in media freedom.

Leaders in Europe and Britain cannot afford to remain passive observers. Diplomatic pressure must increase and the government must realize that there are concrete costs associated with 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 critical to promoting accountability and empowering citizens to demand better governance.