Nigeria: Rights Group warns of shrinking civic space

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, CEHRAWS, has raised concerns over what it described as a shrinking civic space in Nigeria, following reports that writer and columnist Okey Ndibe was questioned by security officials at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement titled “When Criticism Becomes a Crime: The Dangerous Shrinking of Civic Space in Nigeria,” CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye Chuka Peter, said the incident has renewed fears about freedom of expression and the treatment of government critics.

While authorities reportedly described the encounter as routine, the group warned that repeated scrutiny of journalists, activists, writers, and opposition voices risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Okoye cited Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and association, as well as international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ICCPR, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He stressed that democracy thrives when citizens can express opinions and hold leaders accountable without fear of intimidation or harassment.

The rights group urged government institutions to reassure Nigerians that individuals would not be targeted for peacefully criticising public policies or officials.

“The true measure of a democracy is not how it treats its supporters, but how it treats its critics,” Okoye added.

CEHRAWS called on authorities to uphold constitutional rights and protect civic space, arguing that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on safeguarding free speech and public participation.

The group also linked the incident to broader concerns about shrinking democratic space, citing recent court judgments and security actions that civil society organisations have criticised as threats to free expression.