By James Sunday, FCAI, MNIIA
Hallvive Media and Communications Group (Hallvive TV and Podcast) is using its platform to call on the Government of Nigeria to rededicate our nascent democracy to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding civic space, protecting free expression, and ensuring the free flow of information as essential pillars of democracy, as it joins the global community in commemorating this year’s International Day of Democracy.
This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by aAction,” is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where women continue to face marginalisation in governance at all levels. Gender equality is not only a human rights issue but also a fundamental requirement for building a resilient and inclusive democracy.
The United Nations General Assembly, through Resolution A/RES/62/7 adopted on November 8, 2007, proclaimed September 15 of each year as the International Day of Democracy. The resolution invited all UN member states, organizations within the UN system, regional and intergovernmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to commemorate the Day in ways that raise public awareness of democracy’s importance.
As we mark this year’s International Day of Democracy, we remind our leaders at all levels that democracy is more than elections. It is about creating an open society where transparency, accountability, equal participation, and human rights are guaranteed.
Democracy thrives when all citizens, women and men alike, are able to participate equally in shaping their societies. Unfortunately, Nigerian women continue to face disproportionate barriers in politics, governance, and the media. Structural inequalities, gender-based violence, online harassment, and underrepresentation in decision-making processes undermine not only women’s rights but also the quality of Nigeria’s democracy. Achieving gender equality, step by step and action by action, is central to building the open, just, and accountable Nigeria we all desire.
Nigeria’s current democratic challenges include a shrinking civic space where dissent and critical opinions are not tolerated, rising disinformation, and frequent attacks on journalists, all of which threaten to undermine democratic gains. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens lack access to information, where the media is under attack, and where critical voices are silenced.
Corruption has become one of the greatest betrayals of Nigeria’s democracy. While successive governments have vowed to fight corruption, public resources continue to disappear, enriching a few while leaving millions in poverty. Instead of delivering prosperity, corruption has deepened inequality and eroded citizens’ trust in democracy.
Nigeria has made some progress since the return to civilian rule, recording the longest stretch of uninterrupted democracy in its history, marked by peaceful transfers of power. However, recent developments, including the harassment of journalists, growing intolerance of dissent, and weak implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, show that democratic culture in Nigeria is still fragile and requires urgent strengthening.
To consolidate and sustain Nigeria’s democracy, we urge the Federal and State Governments to:
Guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom by ending attacks, harassment, and censorship of journalists and media workers.
Fully implement the FOI Act to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
Safeguard digital rights and Internet freedom through rights-respecting regulations that foster access, innovation, and citizen participation.
Only by protecting rights, promoting inclusion, and tackling corruption can Nigeria deepen its democratic foundations and deliver the dividends of democracy to its people.