Our Reporter, Abuja
As the world marks International Democracy Day on Monday, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on governments in Nigeria to recommit to strengthening democratic institutions, safeguarding civic space, protecting free expression, and ensuring the free flow of information as core pillars of democracy.
In a statement issued in Lagos, MRA Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, said this year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” is particularly significant for Nigeria, where women remain grossly underrepresented in governance.
“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,” Gbadamosi said.
“Achieving gender equality, step by step and action by action, is central to building the open, just, and accountable Nigeria we all desire.”
He noted that structural inequalities, gender-based violence, online harassment, and poor representation in decision-making continue to undermine women’s rights and weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Gbadamosi also identified other challenges threatening democracy in Nigeria, including shrinking civic space, intolerance of dissent, disinformation, frequent attacks on journalists, and rampant corruption. According to him, while successive governments have pledged to fight graft, “public resources continue to disappear, enriching a few while leaving millions in poverty.”
Although he acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded progress since the return to democratic rule in 1999—particularly through peaceful transfers of power—he warned that harassment of journalists, limited implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, and growing intolerance of criticism show that democratic culture in the country remains fragile.
“Although democracy has not yet delivered its full dividends in Nigeria, it still offers the best path forward for the country. Through collective, step-by-step action, we can build a democracy that works for everyone,” he stressed.
To strengthen democracy, MRA urged governments to:
- Guarantee freedom of expression and media freedom by ending attacks and censorship of journalists.
- Fully implement the FOI Act to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Safeguard digital rights and internet freedom through rights-respecting regulations.
- Adopt affirmative measures to increase women’s political participation.
- Combat disinformation through inclusive, multi-stakeholder approaches that empower citizens without stifling legitimate speech.
- Protect civic space by allowing civil society and citizens to freely assemble, associate, and criticize government without fear of reprisals.
Gbadamosi also called on civil society, the media, citizens, and the international community to remain vigilant in defending Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that it must be “nurtured daily through collective action and respect for fundamental rights.”
The United Nations General Assembly declared September 15 as International Democracy Day in 2007 to raise global awareness on the values and principles of democracy.
