As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day of Social Justice, a group, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD), has called for equitable and inclusive policies and governance in Nigeria.
The IRIAD, in a press statement signed by its Director Princess Hamman-Obels, noted that this year’s theme, “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future,” underscores the importance of ensuring that the shift to environmentally sustainable economies leaves no one behind, particularly in nations struggling with systemic inequalities.
Consequently, IRIAD shed light on Nigeria’s persistent social justice challenges, including widespread poverty, unemployment, gender-based violence and systemic inequalities rooted in ethnicity and religion.
The group noted that while progress has been made in some areas, economic reforms introduced since 2023 have exacerbated hardships.
It stated that by mid-2024, inflation surged to 34.19%, with food inflation exceeding 40%, pushing millions further into poverty.
IRIAD also highlighted specific incidents reflecting systemic injustices in Nigeria. These include reports of police brutality and extrajudicial killings, such as the death of Faiz Abdullahi in custody after alleged torture.
Cases of violence against women remain alarmingly high, with tragic examples like the murders of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, and Ifeoma, a banker from Anambra State.
Additionally, it pointed out that systemic failures in law enforcement are underscored by cases like Habibu Adamu’s illegal detention for 13 years, pointing out that these challenges demonstrate the critical importance of addressing systemic inequalities to foster sustainable development.
Meanwhile, IRIAD called for urgent action from all stakeholders, including government bodies, to implement inclusive policies that prioritize education, healthcare, social protection programmes, and job creation while cushioning the impact of economic reforms on vulnerable populations.
It also called on civil society organizations to advocate transparency and accountability while empowering marginalized communities, encouraging citizens to actively participate in governance processes and demand policies promoting equity and social justice.
