By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the first three years of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration as a period marked by economic hardship, worsening insecurity, alleged human rights abuses and declining living standards, saying many Nigerians have little to celebrate as the government marks its third anniversary in office.

In a statement issued on June 1, 2026, HURIWA said the anniversary presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on what it called one of the most difficult periods in the country's democratic journey.

The rights group, through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said millions of Nigerians now face severe economic challenges, insecurity and growing uncertainty about the future.

According to HURIWA, the administration's economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have contributed to rising inflation, depreciation of the national currency and increased costs of living.

"The promise of renewed hope has, for many Nigerians, translated into renewed suffering," the group stated.

It argued that the weakening of the naira against major foreign currencies had led to soaring prices of food, medicines, transportation, educational materials and other essential services.

HURIWA further claimed that the economic situation had resulted in the shrinking of the middle class, closure of businesses, persistent unemployment and deepening poverty across both urban and rural communities.

The association also expressed concern over the security situation in the country, alleging that terrorists, armed bandits, kidnappers, violent criminal groups and separatist-related violence continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across several regions.

"The continuous attacks on farming communities, the destruction of livelihoods, and the inability of citizens to freely travel on several highways remain a grave indictment of the nation's security architecture," the statement said.

On human rights, HURIWA cited what it described as recurring allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detentions and enforced disappearances linked to some security agencies.

The organisation specifically referenced complaints by families and civil society groups concerning alleged abuses associated with the Tiger Base police facility in Owerri, Imo State, and called for transparent investigations and accountability.

"The continued cries of affected families demand transparent investigations, accountability, and justice," the group stated.

HURIWA also raised concerns about corruption and transparency in public institutions, saying questions continue to be asked about public finance management, procurement processes and the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to the organisation, perceived lack of transparency in the management of public resources has contributed to growing public distrust.

The association further criticised what it described as a disconnect between the sacrifices demanded of ordinary Nigerians and the privileges enjoyed by public officials.

It also identified electricity supply, education and healthcare as sectors where citizens continue to face significant challenges despite government assurances of reforms.

The group noted that many Nigerians still contend with erratic power supply, while public educational and healthcare institutions remain under pressure from inadequate funding and rising costs.

HURIWA expressed concern over what it described as growing ethnic, religious and regional divisions, warning that increasing political polarisation could threaten national unity and stability.

The organisation called on the Federal Government to undertake what it termed an urgent reassessment of governance priorities and implement measures aimed at addressing insecurity, human rights concerns, economic difficulties, corruption and institutional inefficiency.

"Nigeria deserves leadership that protects lives, respects rights, safeguards public resources, and restores hope to the people," the statement added.

HURIWA maintained that governments are ultimately judged by measurable improvements in the lives of citizens rather than political rhetoric, insisting that many Nigerians have yet to experience significant improvements in their economic wellbeing, security and overall quality of life.

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