THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE NIGERIA SOCIAL FORUM AND ACTIONAID NIGERIA EXTENDS SOLIDARITY TO THE WORLD SOCIAL FORUM IN COTONOU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: August 3, 2026

THE STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE NIGERIA SOCIAL FORUM AND ACTIONAID NIGERIA EXTENDS SOLIDARITY TO THE WORLD SOCIAL FORUM IN COTONOU

“Another World Is Possible, and Together We Will Build It”

Nigeria, Abuja – The Steering Committee of the Nigeria Social Forum and ActionAid Nigeria extends its warmest greetings and unwavering solidarity to the coordinators, partners, social movements, civil society organisations, trade unions, women’s movements, youth networks, indigenous peoples, and all participants of the World Social Forum (WSF) currently taking place in Cotonou, Benin.

Since it started in 2001, the World Social Forum has provided a critical democratic space where citizens and movements across the globe can imagine and build alternatives rooted in justice, equality, peace, sustainability, and human dignity. Its enduring call, “Another World Is Possible,” continues to inspire communities confronting inequality, authoritarianism, climate change, and economic injustice.

As the global inspiration behind the Nigeria Social Forum, the WSF has helped create a platform for Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue, exchange experiences, build alliances, and strengthen collective action for democratic transformation.

Today, these values are more urgent than ever. Across Nigeria, millions of citizens continue to face challenges of unemployment, insecurity, climate shocks, gender inequality, shrinking civic space, and lack of accountable governance.

Despite these challenges, civil society organisations and grassroots movements continue to demonstrate resilience by organising communities, amplifying marginalised voices, defending human rights, and promoting peaceful democratic participation.

The struggles of workers, women, young people, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples are interconnected. “When one voice is silenced, democracy grows weaker. When one community is left behind, the nation falls short of its promise. That is why solidarity is not optional; it is necessary.”

As the Forum convenes in West Africa, ActionAid Nigeria calls on all participants to use this moment to:

Build cross-border alliances that connect local struggles to global movements.

Develop practical strategies to defend civic space, advance climate justice, and demand accountable governance.

Take action at home by translating the outcomes of this Forum into concrete organising within communities.

“We believe that another Nigeria is possible,” the statement added. “A Nigeria where public institutions serve the people, where young people can realise their potential, where women participate equally in leadership, and where development leaves no one behind.”

ActionAid Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the principles of the WSF Charter: openness, pluralism, non-violence, solidarity, and participatory democracy.

We stand in solidarity with the World Social Forum.

We stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Social Forum.

We stand in solidarity with every community working to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive world.

Because another world is indeed possible!

Signed:

Comrade Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria

Comrade Jaye Gaskia, Chairman, Nigeria Social Forum

Comrade Otive Igbuzor

Comrade Eze Nwangu

Comrade Priscilia Achakpa

Comrade Abiola Akiyode Afolabi

Comrade Ene Obi