FG Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Growth and Democratic Values

On the occasion of Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Nigerian Government has reiterated its commitment to deepening democracy, strengthening institutions and promoting national cohesion.

This was revealed during a Democracy Day Public Lecture in Abuja where stakeholders and policy experts discussed the country’s democratic journey, achievements, challenges and future prospects.

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who represented Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the occasion gave Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate democratic gains while critically examining the nation’s progress since the return to civil rule in 1999.

He said Nigeria’s democratic journey has been a story of resilience and determination in the face of many challenges.

“Nigeria has decisively returned to democratic governance since 29 May 1999. “The most important thing I’ve learned from this journey is that it’s been a journey of resilience and determination,” he said.

He said the development was evidence of the growing maturity of Nigeria’s democracy as the country had successfully conducted eight successive general elections and witnessed peaceful transfers of power across political parties and regions.

“The gains of democracy, the freedom of choice to vote and be voted for, are priceless. He noted that we must continue to strengthen our institutions and ensure that democracy brings benefits to all Nigerians.

The SGF also emphasized the need for national unity and warned against ethnic, religious and regional divisions.

The foundations of our democracy should not be eroded by ethnic religious or regional fault lines. “National cohesion is essential to our survival and development as a democracy.”

Professor Ayo Omotayo, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), who delivered the keynote lecture, titled ‘Twenty-Seven Years of Democratic Governance in Nigeria: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead’, described June 12 as a watershed moment in the country’s democratic history. As we pay tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, particularly the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists who sacrificed for the restoration of democratic governance.

“Democracy Day is not just a holiday. It’s a sober reminder of the sacrifices made by brave Nigerians who believed that the destiny of this nation should be decided through the ballot box, not the gun,” Omotayo said.

Some of the achievements listed by the Director-General of NIPSS since 1999 include, stronger democratic institutions, broader civic engagement, economic reforms, technological progress and increased global acknowledgement for Nigeria.

For him, one of the biggest landmarks was the peaceful change of power between political parties at the federal level in 2015.

He stressed that “the transfer of power from one political party to another is still one of the strongest indicators of the growing maturity of our democratic system.”

Professor Omotayo also praised the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, stating that technology had become a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion.

One of the great accomplishments of democratic governance is the rise of the digital economy. “Young Nigerians are using technology more and more to establish businesses, create jobs and spur innovation,” the NIPSS Director-General said.

Despite these advances, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, corruption and social divisions were key challenges facing the country’s democratic development, he said.

“Democracy must ultimately be judged not only by the conduct of elections, but by its ability to improve the welfare and well-being of citizens. “There is much work to be done in this regard,” he pointed out.

Professor Omotayo also called for more investment in youth development, education, technology, institutional reforms and inclusive economic growth so that democracy would translate into better living standards for the citizens.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, also emphasized the importance of trust in democratic governance.

Democracy, she said, was a system founded on accountability, inclusion, delivery of services and citizen participation.

“Democracy is far more than elections. “It is about service, accountability, inclusion, justice, participation and the continuous improvement the lives of citizens,” she said.

For that, public institutions have to work hard to earn the trust of citizens through transparency, fairness and effective service delivery, Walson-Jack said.

“When government earns the trust of the people by being fair, transparent, consistent and delivering results, democracy is stronger and more meaningful,” she said.

She re-echoed the commitment of the Federal Civil Service towards national development through innovation, digital transformation, performance management and ethical leadership.

The event had in attendance Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris and his counterparts, Minister of Livestock, Minister of Budget and National Planning, alongside Permanent Secretaries and Director Generals of MDAs.

The stakeholders at the event stressed that there has been a lot of progress but building a more prosperous, secure and inclusive nation remains an ongoing responsibility for leaders and citizens alike.