ANEEJ Calls for Strengthening Democracy Amid Economic Hardships
By:Femi Mustapha
As Nigeria observes this year’s Democracy Day, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has urged the urgent implementation of measures to strengthen the country’s democratic culture through inclusive governance, robust institutions, and a renewed focus on economic justice and public accountability.
In a statement released to mark the occasion, Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of ANEEJ, stressed that Nigeria’s democracy should extend beyond periodic elections and political symbolism. It must tackle the daily challenges faced by citizens, particularly the rising economic hardships affecting millions.
“This year’s Democracy Day is a moment for reflection. A true democracy must meet the basic needs of its people. It should feed the hungry, create jobs for the unemployed, and listen to the voices of the marginalized. At a time when inflation, poverty, and food insecurity are at record highs, Nigerians deserve more than just promises; they deserve effective policies,” Ugolor stated.
He pointed out that the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process is increasingly being tested by a disconnect between governance and the realities faced by the population. “A democracy that fails to deliver is vulnerable to erosion,” he warned. “To rebuild trust, we must prioritize people over politics and strengthen the institutions that protect rights, ensure justice, and deliver public goods.”
Ugolor highlighted five key concerns for deepening democracy, which include:
- Addressing economic hardship through inclusive social protection policies.
- Strengthening institutions to ensure they operate independently from political manipulation.
- Promoting inclusive governance by amplifying the voices of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in decision-making.
- Safeguarding civic space and freedom of expression, which are essential for a vibrant democracy.
- Advancing democratic accountability through open governance, consistent anti-corruption efforts like the passage of a whistleblower protection bill, and encouraging citizen participation in the budget process.
“Democracy must mean more than just ballots and political transitions. It should reflect how decisions are made, whose voices are heard, and how resources are managed,” he emphasized.
Ugolor also called on policymakers, political leaders, and civil society actors to work together in creating a more inclusive, transparent, and people-centered democracy. “Nigeria’s future depends not on strongmen, but on strong institutions. It is time to return to the fundamentals of participatory democracy—one that places citizens at the center,” he concluded.
Democracy Day in Nigeria is celebrated annually on June 12 to honor the memory of the 1993 presidential elections, regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. It serves as a national reminder of the ongoing struggles for freedom, representation, and accountable governance.
