A coalition of leading civil society organisations has called for a people-centred transformation of Nigeria, declaring that a more just, inclusive and accountable nation is achievable through collective action, stronger democratic institutions and sustained citizen engagement.
The call was made as the Steering Committee of the Nigeria Social Forum (NSF) and ActionAid Nigeria expressed solidarity with participants at the ongoing World Social Forum (WSF) in Cotonou, Benin Republic, urging activists, social movements and civil society organisations across the globe to unite in confronting rising inequality, insecurity, economic injustice, climate change and shrinking civic space.
In a statement issued on Monday, the organisations described the Cotonou gathering as a critical platform for building stronger alliances and developing practical solutions to challenges affecting millions of people across Africa and beyond.
Reaffirming the World Social Forum’s enduring theme, “Another World Is Possible,” the coalition said the vision of a society founded on justice, equality and democratic participation remains as relevant today as when the global movement was launched in 2001.
The statement, jointly signed by ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Comrade Andrew Mamedu, Nigeria Social Forum Chairman, Comrade Jaye Gaskia, and other prominent civil society leaders, noted that worsening social and economic inequalities continue to threaten democratic governance and sustainable development.
According to the organisations, Nigeria is grappling with multiple challenges, including widespread unemployment, insecurity, climate-related shocks, gender inequality, shrinking civic space and concerns over transparency and accountable governance.
“Today, these values are more urgent than ever,” the statement said, stressing that millions of Nigerians continue to face severe economic hardship despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources.
The coalition, however, commended grassroots organisations and social movements for their resilience in defending human rights, mobilising communities and amplifying the voices of marginalised and vulnerable groups.
It argued that the challenges confronting workers, women, young people, rural communities and persons with disabilities are interconnected and require coordinated responses rather than isolated interventions.
“When one voice is silenced, democracy grows weaker. When one community is left behind, the nation falls short of its promise. That is why solidarity is not optional; it is necessary,” the statement added.
The organisations urged participants at the World Social Forum to move beyond dialogue by forging stronger cross-border partnerships capable of influencing public policy, strengthening democratic governance and advancing social justice.
Among the priorities highlighted were expanding regional and global alliances, protecting civic freedoms, promoting climate justice and demanding greater transparency, accountability and responsiveness from governments.
The coalition also called on civil society organisations to ensure that resolutions reached at the forum translate into measurable action within local communities.
“We believe that another Nigeria is possible—a Nigeria where public institutions serve the people, where young people can realise their potential, where women participate equally in leadership, and where development leaves no one behind,” the organisations stated.
ActionAid Nigeria and the Nigeria Social Forum reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the World Social Forum Charter, including openness, pluralism, non-violence, solidarity and participatory democracy.
The statement was also endorsed by members of the NSF Steering Committee, including Comrade Otive Igbuzor, Comrade Eze Nwangu, Comrade Priscilia Achakpa, Comrade Abiola Akiyode Afolabi and Comrade Ene Obi.
The World Social Forum in Cotonou has brought together civil society organisations, activists, social movements and community leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world to explore pathways toward a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable global order.
For Nigeria’s civil society movement, the message from Cotonou is unequivocal: sustainable development can only be achieved through justice, inclusion, accountable leadership and active citizen participation.
