In an appeal, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations under the Initiative for Conciliation and Rights Protection has urged the Nigerian government to take more significant steps in protecting the rights of minority groups across the country.
The coalition highlighted the need for inclusive governance, robust legal frameworks, and increased awareness to address the systemic inequalities faced by these groups.
Speeches delivered by legal and civil rights experts such as Hasan Bala, Esq., Ph.D., and Nwokolo Neto Geoffrey, Esq., called attention to the persistent marginalization of minority groups based on ethnicity, religion, gender, and socioeconomic status.
The speakers emphasized that such discrimination not only violates human rights but also hampers Nigeria’s national progress by excluding vital segments of the population from participating in the nation’s development.
The coalition specifically pointed to historical events such as the 2015 Zaria Massacre, often referred to as genocide, and ongoing ethnic and religious conflicts in Plateau State and southern Kaduna as evidence of the urgent need for action.
“These tragic events must never be repeated,” the coalition said, calling for comprehensive and effectively enforced anti-discrimination laws.
Central to their demands was a call for more diverse representation in Nigeria’s political institutions, ensuring that minority voices are heard in the decision-making processes that shape the country.
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The coalition also advocated for educational reforms to promote understanding and respect for minority rights, starting at the grassroots level in schools, community centers, and through media campaigns.
“Protecting minority groups’ rights is not merely a moral imperative; it is essential for the harmony and development of our nation,” the coalition declared.
They urged Nigerians and the government to work together to create a more equitable society where every individual, regardless of background, can thrive.
The event was attended by prominent civil society members, including Ahmad Shuaibu Isa, Mabel Braimah, Ozigis Abdulhakeem, and Ekoja Godwin, who all echoed the sentiment that safeguarding minority rights is crucial for Nigeria’s unity and future prosperity.
