In a strong statement on Sunday, Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to cease its threats and intimidation against individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions.
The global human rights organization emphasized that freedom of expression is a fundamental right enshrined in both the Nigerian constitution and international law.
The statement comes in response to the growing controversy surrounding Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member based in Lagos.
Uguamaye recently posted a TikTok video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently facing due to ongoing reforms. Following the viral video, she allegedly received threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content.
Amnesty International condemned the reported harassment, stating that Uguamaye was merely exercising her right to voice her frustrations about the country’s worsening economic situation.
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“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the organization wrote in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Amnesty International strongly condemns threats and intimidation directed at a lady who posted TikTok video lamenting the current escalating economic hardship. The lady alleged that NYSC officials @officialnyscng threatened her for refusing to delete the video. pic.twitter.com/zvCq7KoUiz
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) March 16, 2025
The watchdog further denounced the reported intimidation, stressing that instead of targeting citizens who speak out, the government should focus on addressing the economic crisis that has plunged millions into poverty.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the threats directed at a young woman for simply expressing her discontent over the rising economic hardship. She claims NYSC officials have pressured her to delete the video,” the statement continued.
Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) March 16, 2025
“It is her fundamental right to voice her concerns peacefully. Rather than silencing critics, the authorities should concentrate on implementing effective solutions to alleviate the economic challenges.”
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Uguamaye has since expressed fears for her safety, revealing that her personal information was leaked and that she has been pressured to report to the NYSC office.
The situation highlights the increasing suppression of free speech in Nigeria, where citizens who criticize government policies often face intimidation.
Amnesty International’s call for accountability underscores the urgent need to protect the right to free expression and ensure that those speaking out against economic hardship are not subjected to threats and harassment.
As millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with inflation and financial instability, the focus should be on solutions rather than silencing voices of frustration. Ensuring that citizens can freely express their concerns without fear is a crucial step toward meaningful progress in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
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