The Private Sector Development for Democratic Forum (PSDdF) has emphasized the need to fortify Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including the media, judiciary, and electoral bodies, to achieve sustainable development.
During a briefing session by the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening in Lagos over the weekend, stakeholders highlighted the role of these institutions in fostering justice, transparency, and public trust.
Ms. Lola Adekanye, Country Director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) Nigeria, underscored that political interference, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited operational independence hinder the effectiveness of key democratic entities. She called for reforms to address these challenges.
Panelists noted that corruption remains a significant obstacle to democratic and economic progress in Nigeria, eroding public trust and weakening institutions. Strengthening anti-corruption efforts, protecting whistleblowers, and ensuring the autonomy of accountability agencies were identified as crucial measures.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Charles Candide-Johnson, advocated for a zero-tolerance environment for corruption, while Dr. Joe Abah, Vice President/Country Director of DAI, cautioned that Nigeria’s system is deeply intertwined with corruption, making reform a complex but necessary task.
The forum also stressed the importance of continuous training for government workers and enhancing civic education to empower citizens with knowledge of their democratic rights and responsibilities.
“Building the skills of public officials and educating citizens will foster a more efficient government and an informed society,” Adekanye stated.
The event, supported by CIPE and the American Business Council in Nigeria, reiterated that a transparent, accountable government is key to Nigeria’s democratic resilience and socio-economic growth.
