In a development that has rattled both domestic observers and the international community, two damning reports — one from Nigeria’s own Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and another from the internationally respected Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) — have painted a bleak portrait of life under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The findings reveal an alarming deterioration of civil liberties, particularly freedom of expression, and an intensification of state-sponsored repression across Nigeria.
Crackdown on Dissent: The MRA Alarms the Nation
In its latest report released in July 2025, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) warned that Nigeria is “fast becoming a republic of fear” where journalists, whistleblowers, and social media users live under the constant threat of arrest, detention, and prosecution.
The report documented over 40 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions of media practitioners since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, with most of these stemming from the abuse of Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention) Act — a notorious provision that criminalizes "offensive" or "annoying" online messages.
“Freedom of expression is no longer a right in Nigeria — it is now a privilege granted by the powerful,” said Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of MRA.
“This administration is more interested in silencing criticism than solving the nation's problems.”
The MRA accused the Tinubu government of exploiting outdated legal instruments to intimidate citizens and curtail digital activism, pointing to recent high-profile arrests of journalists, online bloggers, and even ordinary citizens who dared to criticize government policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and worsening economic hardship.
The crackdown reached a tipping point in April 2025, when five student activists at Ahmadu Bello University were arrested for posting a viral TikTok video lampooning the President. They were held for four days without charge and released only after public outcry.
The international community has not remained silent. In June 2025, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Finland, and Norway issued a rare joint statement condemning Nigeria’s backslide into authoritarianism, calling for a repeal of repressive laws and a renewed commitment to democratic norms.
“We are deeply concerned about Nigeria’s shrinking civic space,” the statement read.
“A healthy democracy must tolerate criticism, dissent, and freedom of the press.”
A Grim Scorecard: Nigeria Fails Human Rights Metrics Under HRMI Review
While the MRA report exposes Nigeria’s internal failings, the Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) has put the country’s international reputation into free fall.
In its 2025 annual report, HRMI gave Nigeria a shocking score of 3.2 out of 10 on “Safety from the State” — a metric that evaluates protection from arbitrary arrest, torture, enforced disappearance, and extrajudicial killing. This places Nigeria among the bottom 10 countries globally in terms of basic human rights protections.
The report further highlighted:
- A 75% increase in reports of police brutality compared to the previous administration
- Low scores (4.5/10) on empowerment rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and participation in public affairs
- Widespread impunity for security agencies involved in human rights abuses
“Our data shows a country where the government either cannot or will not protect its citizens from its own security forces,” said Anne-Marie Brook, HRMI Co-Founder and human rights economist.
“In some parts of Nigeria, the state is not a protector — it is the primary threat.”
Perhaps most disturbing is the HRMI’s finding that citizens living in poverty, ethnic minorities, and political dissidents are most at risk. Many are detained without trial, held in dehumanizing prison conditions, and subjected to torture and abuse while in custody.
Double Standards and Hypocrisy
Critics argue that the Tinubu administration’s democratic credentials are increasingly performative — fine words abroad, brutal repression at home.
While the President regularly affirms his commitment to the rule of law during international summits, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Activists and opposition figures continue to face surveillance, intimidation, and judicial harassment.
“The hypocrisy is staggering,” said Dr. Olufunke Ojo, a constitutional lawyer based in Abuja.
“This government talks about democracy like it’s a public relations stunt, but governs like a military junta.”
A Wake-Up Call to the Government
The twin reports from MRA and HRMI should serve as a wake-up call to President Tinubu and his team. Governance is not just about economic reforms or infrastructure — it is about upholding the basic dignity and rights of the people.
The continued misuse of laws, weaponization of state agencies, and silencing of dissent will only fuel public distrust, international condemnation, and potential unrest.
If Nigeria is to avoid becoming a full-blown autocracy, the administration must:
- Repeal or amend repressive legislation, especially the Cybercrime Act
- Hold security agents accountable for abuses
- Foster open dialogue with civil society, opposition, and the media
- Uphold the constitutional rights of free speech, press freedom, and assembly
Conclusion: The Cost of Silence
As the 2027 election cycle draws nearer, the Tinubu administration must decide whether it will be remembered as a government that listened and reformed, or one that silenced, suppressed, and failed.
In the words of MRA Director Edetaen Ojo:
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while holding journalists in jail and beating protesters in the streets.”
The world is watching. And the people are speaking — even if it’s from behind bars.
Citations:
- Media Rights Agenda Report 2025: https://dailytrust.com/attacks-on-journalists-rising-under-tinubus-administration-report/
- Human Rights Measurement Initiative: https://rightstracker.org/
- US/UK/Canada Joint Statement on Nigeria 2025: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/