The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has raised concerns that Nigeria's increasing commercialization of kidnapping for ransom poses significant threats to the country's development, democracy, and governance. According to CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, this challenge has transcended conventional security concerns and now affects citizens' ability to live, work, and travel without fear. This situation weakens the foundations of a peaceful and inclusive society.
Musa Rafsanjani made these remarks at a side event of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he launched the 9th Nigeria SDG 16 Shadow Report. The report assesses Nigeria's progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The report identifies insecurity, particularly kidnapping for ransom, as a major threat to Nigeria's development.
The report presents a mixed picture of Nigeria's progress, acknowledging significant institutional and enforcement actions in areas such as illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and anti-money laundering. However, Musa Rafsanjani notes that these measures have yet to produce corresponding improvements in Nigeria's legal framework, public confidence, transparency, and access to information.
Musa Rafsanjani emphasizes that Nigeria's major challenge is no longer a lack of laws, policies, or institutions but the failure to ensure that existing frameworks function effectively, consistently, and in the public interest. He attributes persistent governance challenges to weak implementation and enforcement, often undermined by political interference. CISLAC's report highlights the need for stronger protection of institutions established to serve the public interest.
The CISLAC chief also raises concerns over political corruption, asset declaration, and unexplained wealth, which continue to raise questions about the management of public resources. He stresses that the integrity of institutions, such as the judiciary, security institutions, and electoral bodies, is central to democratic governance and the achievement of SDG 16. Public confidence in these institutions remains a concern due to various allegations and weaknesses.
Musa Rafsanjani calls for urgent implementation of reforms to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, with the 2030 deadline approaching. He urges the Federal Government, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to move beyond commitments and deliver measurable reforms. This includes strengthening institutions, protecting civic space, and upholding the rule of law.
The CISLAC Executive Director emphasizes that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without justice, accountability, and effective institutions. He stresses that Nigeria must move from commitments to implementation and from institutions on paper to institutions that work for the people. This will enable the country to achieve the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and truly leave no one behind.
Key points
- Kidnap-for-ransom economy threatens Nigeria's governance, economic development, human rights, and rule of law.
- CISLAC launches 9th Nigeria SDG 16 Shadow Report, highlighting mixed progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16.
- Nigeria faces urgent implementation challenge with 2030 deadline for Sustainable Development Goals approaching.
