Nigeria, with its estimated population of 180 million, mostly youthful individuals, faces numerous challenges in promoting human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. Despite being governed by a secular Constitution and having ratified several regional and international treaties, including CEDAW and CRC, the country still struggles with issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, and marginalization of women and girls.
The statistics are alarming: 40,000 women die annually from pregnancy-related causes, and 60% of abortions are performed by unskilled providers in unsterile conditions. Gender-based violence is a daily experience, with up to 3 in 10 women experiencing sexual harassment by age 15.
Nigeria’s environmental situation is also dire. Poor waste management, sanitation, and natural resource exploitation have led to environmental degradation. Climate change-related issues, such as floods, erosion, desertification, and biodiversity depletion, are exacerbating the situation. The country’s overdependence on crude oil has caused the collapse of other sectors of the economy, including agriculture and industry.
The poverty situation in Nigeria is critical, with many living below the poverty line. The removal of fuel subsidies has eroded the purchasing power of most Nigerians, increasing the number of those living in abject poverty. Small-scale enterprises, mostly owned by women, have been severely impacted. Corruption, lack of accountability, and uneven wealth distribution perpetuate poverty and inequality.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made commitments to various international agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population, Health and Development (ICPD), and the Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women (FWCW).
