Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana on Wednesday joined the nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), condemning rising insecurity, poverty, and the government’s alleged failure to protect Nigerians.
Addressing protesters in Lagos, Falana said citizens across the country are “gripped by fear” due to escalating insecurity. He emphasized that the primary duty of government, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, is the welfare and security of its people.
“We are gathered here in solidarity with all Nigerians who are living in fear due to insecurity,” Falana said. “We are here to pressure the government to uphold its constitutional duty to ensure the safety and welfare of citizens.”
Falana warned against any attempts to justify insecurity through foreign military involvement, recalling Nigeria’s historical resistance to foreign military bases. “No matter the level of insecurity, we reject any so-called foreign invasion of our country,” he said. “Since 1962, Nigerian youths have resisted external military control, and Nigeria has maintained its capacity to defend itself.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s past peacekeeping efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other African states, Falana argued that the country has the human and natural resources necessary to protect its citizens. “Nigeria has repeatedly restored law and order in other countries. We have the capacity to protect lives and property at home,” he said.
As the nation approaches the 2026 elections, Falana stressed that Nigerians no longer want to hear of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism. He called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of alleged terrorism financiers.
“First, we demand the prosecution of the 400 terrorism financiers arrested by the Buhari administration in 2021. The federal government has failed to bring them to justice, and this is unacceptable,” he said.
The lawyer also stressed that addressing insecurity requires more than military action; social and economic reforms are crucial. He criticized the government for failing to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, despite increased revenues, and alleged that allocations to the three tiers of government have risen significantly.
“Without addressing poverty and unemployment, insecurity will persist. Jobs must be created for youth, and social welfare programmes must be implemented,” Falana said.
He demanded the immediate release of palliatives for workers, farmers, traders, and vulnerable Nigerians, citing the National Social Investment Programme. “These laws exist; the government must implement them,” he said, urging state Houses of Assembly to ensure welfare programmes are adequately funded.
Falana also accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of massive financial mismanagement, referencing an audit report submitted to the Senate that allegedly revealed the diversion of ₦210 trillion. He called for the recovery of these funds to address urgent national challenges.
“We are not making up figures. Official sources indicate that ₦17.1 trillion has already been spent on fuel subsidy and pipeline maintenance, yet insecurity and poverty persist,” he said.
Retired Major General Danjuma Ali‑Keffi also alleged that the government failed to prosecute the 400 individuals arrested for allegedly financing terrorism, despite extensive investigations linking them to terrorist activities.
Falana concluded that social, economic, and financial reforms, alongside robust law enforcement, are essential to ending insecurity and restoring public confidence in government.
