NANTS Commends CHRICED for Launching 2026–2030 Strategic Plan Focused on Indigenous Rights, Accountability and Environmental Justice - The National Association of Nigerian Traders NANTS

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) participated in the official launch of the CHRICED Strategic Plan (2026–2030) held on Saturday in Abuja. The event marked a significant step toward strengthening civic engagement, democratic governance, and the protection of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.

Represented by its Head of Media and Communication, Onyekachi Emmanuel, NANTS noted that the new strategy provides a clear framework for addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic and governance challenges.

CHRICED Outlines Six Core Pillars for Civic Transformation

In his address, the Executive Director of the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stated that the new five-year strategy is grounded in justice, inclusion, and democratic accountability.

He explained that the strategic plan was developed in response to Nigeria’s evolving realities – including climate change impacts, insecurity, governance gaps, declining social protection systems, and increasing digital repression.

Zikirullahi outlined six core pillars that will guide CHRICED’s interventions through 2030, noting that the strategy was informed by data, community consultations, and a rights-based approach.

Key Issues Raised at the Launch

Dr. Zikirullahi highlighted several national concerns the plan seeks to address:

1. Climate Change and Environmental Justice

He warned that desertification, flooding, and extreme weather conditions are “reshaping lives and livelihoods,” especially in northern Nigeria where food security continues to decline.

2. Indigenous Rights

He emphasized that a democracy that excludes its indigenous populations “cannot claim legitimacy,” pledging intensified advocacy for the recognition and inclusion of FCT original inhabitants.

3. Maternal and Child Mortality

He described current mortality rates as “unacceptably high” and reaffirmed CHRICED’s commitment to expanding interventions supporting women and children.

4. Digital Repression and Civic Space

Zikirullahi vowed that CHRICED will push back against digital suppression by promoting digital literacy and widening access to platforms that amplify civic voices.

5. Democratic Governance and Accountability

He stressed that “accountability remains the heartbeat of democracy,” and expressed CHRICED’s resolve to strengthen support for community actors, activists, media institutions, and citizens who demand transparency from public office holders.

6. Electoral Integrity

He reiterated that credible elections are essential for democratic survival, making electoral integrity a top priority for the next five years.

Zikirullahi also extended gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for supporting the formulation of the strategic plan.

Speaking at the event, Oladayo Olaide, Head of the CHRICED Strategy Committee, highlighted the organisation’s renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of street children and out-of-school children across Nigeria.

He added that the plan will mainstream:

• Social protection initiatives

• Gender inclusion

• Youth empowerment and skills development

He emphasized CHRICED’s readiness to collaborate with government stakeholders to reduce the number of out-of-school children within the five-year implementation window.

NANTS commends CHRICED for developing a forward-looking and inclusive strategic plan that aligns with national priorities, especially in the areas of justice, social protection, and civic empowerment.

The association reaffirms its willingness to collaborate with CHRICED and other stakeholders to advance good governance, strengthen public accountability, and protect the rights and livelihoods of Nigerian traders, families, and communities.