Stakeholders from government, police, civil society and rights groups at a roundtable on civic space and media freedom in Abuja.
Key Nigerian institutions including civil society groups, government officials, the police and the national human rights Commission have acknowledged growing pressure on the country’s civic space, calling for reforms in protest policing, media protection and the interpretation of public order laws.
The call came at a multi-stakeholder roundtable in Abuja, organised by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), where participants warned that tensions between citizens and security agencies risk undermining democratic freedoms.
At the centre of discussions were concerns over the treatment of protesters, intimidation of journalists and how laws such as the Public Order Act are enforced.
Civil society
KDI Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, said the meeting was convened amid increasing confrontations between police, civil society groups and the media.
He raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic health and the way protest-related laws are applied. “We want a shared understanding of how laws, especially the Public Order Act, are interpreted and how this affects the rights to peaceful assembly, expression and association,” he said.
Idowu described the forum as a space for dialogue rather than blame, aimed at finding ways to balance public order with democratic freedoms. He also stressed that democracy depends on everyday civic participation not elections alone and said the media plays a key role in shaping public understanding and accountability.
Freedoms Must Coexist
In a message delivered on his behalf, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said protecting civic space must go hand in hand with national security.
He urged stakeholders to put national interest first, while civic engagement remains within constitutional limits. The minister also said journalists should be able to work without intimidation, harassment or unlawful detention.
He signalled openness to reviewing legal frameworks including aspects of the Cybersecurity Act and criminal defamation laws to ensure alignment with constitutional guarantees and international standards.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised collaboration among civil society, security agencies, media organisations, youth groups and faith-based bodies, alongside capacity-building in digital security, legal compliance and conflict prevention.
Shrinking space threatens development
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) warned that restrictions on civic freedoms could harm national development.
Representing the commission, Fatima Mohammed, spoke on behalf of Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu, that intimidation of journalists and suppression of citizens’ voices were serious concerns.
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“We advocate a civic space where Nigerians can express themselves without fear, noting that meaningful development depends on open participation”.
Engagement is key
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the meeting represented by ASP Olamiju Olubumi, described national security as a shared responsibility.
Egbetokun said the roundtable offered an opportunity for greater engagement, collaboration and idea-sharing to improve relations between the police and civic actors.
Digital rights concerns
Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, represented by Judith Chiamaka, said the conversation was timely given increasing threats to civic and digital rights.
She called for sustained engagement to protect freedoms, accountability and inclusivity in Nigeria’s democratic space.
the NUJ national president Alhassan Yahya Abdul and other Participants at the forum, agreed that continued dialogue, institutional reforms and clearer legal interpretation are essential to easing tensions between citizens as well as the state while preserving democratic rights.
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