Democracy Day: Katsina CSOs demand better security, social protection for residents

As Nigerians commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Katsina says residents deserve better security and social protection.

The Chairman of the coalition, AbdurRahman Abdullahi, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina, and called on the government to pay more attention to these areas.

Abdullahi described Democracy Day as an important occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, assess the performance of elected leaders, and renew commitment to good governance and national development.

He acknowledged that the administration of Gov. Dikko Radda had recorded notable achievements in the last three years, particularly in security, education, healthcare, nutrition, and road infrastructure.

The coalition chairman, however, stressed the need for greater attention to critical sectors, including water supply, rural development, youth employment, social protection, and the security of lives and property.

According to him, the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, noting that insecurity continues to pose serious challenges in many parts of the country.

He said incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks had continued to threaten the safety and livelihoods of citizens in spite of efforts by security agencies and other stakeholders.

Abdullahi commended community leaders, security stakeholders, and government authorities in Katsina for dialogue and peace-building initiatives undertaken in 2025, which he said, contributed to relative peace and reduced attacks in several communities.

He, however, expressed concern over the recent resurgence of attacks in parts of Matazu, Musawa, Kankara, Faskari, Dutsin-Ma, and Kankia Local Government Areas.

On social protection, Abdullahi said multidimensional poverty remained a major challenge, particularly in the North-West, where insecurity had disrupted farming, businesses, and other sources of livelihood.

He noted that the removal of fuel subsidy had further increased the cost of living, making it difficult for many households to access healthcare, education, food, and other basic necessities.

The coalition chairman commended the Katsina State Government for investments in education, healthcare, and nutrition, including the recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, rehabilitation of schools and health facilities, and enrolment of vulnerable persons into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.

Abdullahi urged the state government to sustain the peace-building initiatives, expand investments in rural and urban water supply systems, and deepen citizen participation in governance through community development and open government programmes.

He also called for the recruitment of more teachers and healthcare personnel, stronger measures to combat malnutrition, increased funding for vulnerable groups under the state contributory healthcare scheme, and improved coordination with federal legislators on constituency projects.

The coalition further recommended upgrading the Ministry of Special Duties to a Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen the coordination of humanitarian interventions and partnerships with development agencies.

Abdullahi also urged eligible residents who had yet to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so, stressing that active participation in elections remained crucial to strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.

“Every vote matters. By registering and participating in elections, citizens contribute to shaping a more responsive, inclusive, and prosperous democracy,” he said.