Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja has defended the country’s report following questions and concerns raised by parliamentarians from different member states over governance, insecurity, human rights and economic realities in the country.
The concerns were raised after Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante presented Nigeria’s country report, which highlighted reforms and developments recorded between January and May 2026.
The report noted that Nigeria had strengthened collaboration with the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network, intensified judicial reforms through digital court processes and expanded the use of biometric accreditation and electronic transmission of election results to improve transparency.
Though, the report acknowledged challenges such as insecurity, misinformation, voter apathy and displacement.
The report however reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, rule of law and regional cooperation.
The delegates questioned whether the report truly reflected the realities on ground, particularly regarding insecurity, displacement, freedom of speech, religious tensions and political inclusiveness.
Abiante insisted that some of the incidents and concerns raised by delegates fell outside the official reporting period covered by the document presented before parliament.
“We appreciate your concerns, and some of the issues you are specific about happened outside of the period of reporting,” he said.
He explained that the report was prepared in line with ECOWAS reporting guidelines and focused on developments captured within the approved timeline.
Defending Nigeria’s security situation, the lawmaker argued that insecurity and terrorism are global challenges and should not be used to unfairly single out Nigeria.
“It’s like comparing a man who lives in a one-bedroom apartment to a man who has a palace with over 15 rooms. Of course, the number of doors and windows will be much more and policing them becomes more challenging,” he stated.
Abiante stressed that Nigeria’s size and population present unique security difficulties, but added that reforms within the nation’s security architecture were already producing positive results.
“The security agencies are reforming and we are getting results,” he said.
On concerns over religious persecution, Abiante rejected attempts to classify insecurity in Nigeria along religious lines, insisting that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith.
“Pagans, traditional worshippers, Christians and Muslims are challenged. So we do not want to take that line and classify it in one direction,” he added.
Addressing the issue of internally displaced persons, the lawmaker acknowledged that displacement caused by insecurity and climate-related challenges remains a reality, but noted that improvements in security were gradually enabling displaced persons to return to their communities.
On freedom of speech and media rights, Abiante said “There is freedom of speech, but in my opinion, the most important is the freedom after the speech. If you accuse me, you should have the capacity to prove that accusation.” remarked.
He also defended Nigeria’s cultural and social values in response to comments relating to LGBT rights, insisting that sovereign nations have the right to adopt policies and values acceptable to their societies.
Abiante further dismissed suggestions that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party state, pointing out that opposition parties remain active and competitive within the country’s democratic space.
In a separate intervention, Hon. Ahmad Munir focused on Nigeria’s economic outlook and political reforms, arguing that the country was making measurable progress despite existing challenges.
According to him, Nigeria recorded a GDP growth of 4.3 percent in 2026, while foreign reserves climbed to about 50 billion dollars, the highest peak in 13 years
Munir acknowledged concerns over youth participation and inclusiveness in governance, admitting that greater efforts were needed to encourage wider participation by young Nigerians in politics and public service. Be that as it may, considerable progress is being made as evidenced by the significant number of young Nigerian ECOWAS parliamentarians.
He noted that the country was currently in an election period, with political parties conducting screenings and preparations ahead of upcoming polls.
The lawmaker urged both Nigerians and members of the international community to approach national issues with honesty and patriotism rather than exaggeration or hostility.
“We should not whitewash our reports, but we should also not blackmail our fellow countrymen,” he said.
Munir added that national progress would be achieved through cooperation, support and constructive engagement rather than division, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to democratic reforms, regional stability and inclusive development.
Ends
