World Day of Social Justice
By Russell Ndoboke
Every year, February 20th is a day set aside to recognize the efforts and importance of social justice in achieving a fair and equitable world. The day is meant to promote solidarity in tackling issues like poverty, unemployment, inequality, and exclusion. For Nigeria, a country with vast social disparities, this day provides an important platform for reflecting on the state of social justice and human rights within the nation.
One of the most pressing social justice concerns in Nigeria is poverty. According to the World Bank, nearly 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, which is one of the highest poverty rates globally. Despite the country’s vast oil reserves and agricultural potential, most Nigerians do not benefit directly from the nation’s wealth. Oil-rich regions, such as the Niger Delta, have faced environmental degradation and economic marginalization for decades. The communities in this region like the Ogoni People, have protested against the mismanagement of oil revenues and the lack of infrastructure and services. The government’s failure to adequately address these concerns highlights the injustice faced by these communities, which continues to be a significant challenge for the Nigerian state.
Political corruption is another major barrier to social justice in Nigeria. The country's political elite, in many instances, has exploited its resources to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary citizens. Corruption undermines efforts to address social justice issues because it diverts funds that should be used for public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. One of the most infamous cases of corruption in Nigeria was the theft of public funds by former Nigerian leaders, including Sani Abacha, who is believed to have looted billions of dollars from the national treasury during his regime in the 1990s.
While it is true that Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and multiple religious denominations, its diversity has often been a source of division and conflict in the country. Ethnic and religious tensions have plagued Nigeria for decades, often manifesting in violent clashes, discrimination, and exclusion. One of the most significant sources of conflict is the relationship between the Muslim-majority North and the Christian-majority South. Issues such as the implementation of Sharia law in the North and the allocation of resources based on religious affiliations have often fueled tensions.
Additionally, gender inequality makes the list of some of the most pressing social justice issues in Nigeria. Despite progress in some areas, Nigerian women continue to face significant challenges in accessing equal opportunities in education, employment, and politics. Cultural and religious practices often perpetuate gender-based discrimination, especially in rural areas, where traditional norms limit women's autonomy. Early marriage is another issue affecting young girls, particularly in the northern regions, where many girls are married off before the age of 18, robbing them of opportunities for education and development.
The Nigerian government has implemented various policies to address gender inequality, such as the National Gender Policy and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015). However, the effectiveness of these policies has been hindered by deeply ingrained cultural practices and the lack of political will to enforce them. The persistent gender gap in educational attainment, political representation, and economic opportunities for women indicates that Nigeria is far from achieving social justice in terms of gender equality. It is no wonder, then, that the theme for this year’s program is: “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.”
The World Day of Social Justice serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and fairness is an ongoing struggle, especially in a complex society like Nigeria. While the country has made strides in addressing some aspects of social injustice, many challenges remain. Economic inequality, political corruption, unemployment, ethnic and religious tensions, gender discrimination, and inadequate governance are just some of the factors preventing Nigeria from fully achieving social justice. The Nigerian government must adopt a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable approach to governance. At the same time, civil society must continue to demand the recognition and protection of the rights of all Nigerians. Until these issues are critically examined and addressed comprehensively, Nigeria will continue to lag in its pursuit of social justice.
Photo Credits:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/social-justice-day
Sunday Alamba/AP
BBC News/Getty Images
