The Chamber has also urged the President to sustain the implementation of its economic reform agenda.

According to LCCI, Tinubu’s focus on economic growth, improving security, and increasing funding for education, healthcare and infrastructure promised improved economic performance in the near future.

A public statement signed by Dr. Chinyere Almona, the director general of LCCI, states: “President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech marked a pivotal moment for Nigeria, reflecting on the nation’s 26-year democratic journey and a roadmap for its future.

“His address, delivered today on the historic June 12th, underscores the government’s appreciation of democracy, economic development, security, and social cohesion.”

Almonaadded that “as Nigeria reflects on the progress made and the path ahead, we urge the government to remain steadfast about implementing all the required reforms towards a more sustainable and resilient economy.”

According to her, “the government must stay committed to executing all its proposed programs and ongoing reforms to ensure Nigerians reap the benefits of democracy without further delay.

“We urge the government to work towards a nation built on the rule of law, justice, and social cohesion even in our diversity and political sophistication.

“Democracy places a big responsibility on the government to provide credible and adaptive leadership to sail the ship of governance.”

The LCCI also requested specifically that the government should ensure clear and consistent communication about economic reforms and policies to businesses and the public, in order to reduce uncertainty, building confidence, and establish transparent mechanisms for tracking and reporting progress made through reforms.

It also said that government should provide targeted support to businesses to reduce their cost burdens related to energy, logistics, and regulatory compliance.

It recommended non-cash interventions that could ease the harsh production environment and urged the government to expand social safety net programs to support households affected by high living costs and inflation during this transition period and increase funding for public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

It said:

“Foster a collaborative environment between the government, businesses, civil society, and labor unions to ensure fair and timely negotiations on wages and working conditions, and implement continuous dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms to prevent labour unrest.

“Implement programs that support strategic sectors pivotal to job creation, tax revenues, and infrastructure development. The oil and gas, power, and agriculture sectors require special attention as they offer catalytic support to the economy.

“Support Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted financing, energy access, and market reforms as they form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy but face limited access to credit and infrastructure.

“Remain sensitive to the concerns of and feedback from the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and engage in more consultations towards achieving better implementation of policies,” the LCCI said.

The post LCCI Sees ‘Hope’ in Tinubu’s Democracy Day Speech appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The government’s oversight on issues such as human rights abuses, economic growth, national security, and infrastructural enhancements is no longer tenable. Addressing these issues is imperative for ensuring the nation’s enduring stability and continued prosperity.

1. Human Rights Violations: The Nigerian government has failed to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law. Amnesty International has documented numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and incommunicado detention. The government must investigate these violations and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.
2. Fuel Subsidy Removal: The removal of fuel subsidies has led to increased fuel costs, causing economic hardship for millions of Nigerians. The government must implement transparent and well-structured reforms to ensure that the funds from the fuel subsidy program are used effectively.
3. Local Governance: Local governments in Nigeria have financial autonomy but are severely disempowered due to corruption, weak institutions, and oversights. The government must ensure transparency and accountability in local governance to revive local governments and improve the delivery of social services.
4. Security and Insecurity: The Nigerian military has committed gross human rights violations in the northeast, and the government must investigate these violations and bring suspected perpetrators to justice. The government must also address rising insecurity in the southeast and other regions.
5. Economic Development: Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa, but the majority of its citizens live below the national poverty line. The government must implement reforms to ensure that the country’s mineral riches are utilized efficiently and that the economy is developed to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
6. Youth Empowerment: The upcoming elections are important for young people, who make up a large portion of the population. The government must address youth empowerment and ensure that young people are able to fully participate in the political process.
7. Displacement and Enfranchisement: The conflict in the northeast has led to the displacement of over 240,000 Nigerians, and many of them will not be able to vote in the upcoming elections. The government must address the issue of displacement and ensure that all citizens are able to exercise their right to vote.
8. Corruption: Corruption is a big challenge in Nigeria, and the government must address it to ensure good governance and transparency. The government must also ensure that the funds from the fuel subsidy program are not diverted to corrupt activities.
9. Education and Healthcare: The delivery of social services, including education and healthcare, is inadequate in Nigeria. The government must address these issues to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
10. Elections and Political Stability: The upcoming elections are essential for Nigeria’s political stability. The government must ensure that the elections are free and fair and that the results are accepted by all parties involved.
11. Infrastructure Development: Nigeria’s infrastructure is in a state of disrepair, with poor road conditions, inadequate power supply, and limited access to clean water. The government must invest in infrastructure development to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
12. Environmental Protection: Nigeria’s environment is under threat due to pollution, deforestation, and climate change. The government must take steps to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.
13. Food Security: Nigeria is facing a food security crisis due to poor agricultural practices, climate change, and inadequate storage facilities. The government must invest in agriculture and ensure food security for its citizens.
14. Energy and Power: Nigeria has an energy crisis due to inadequate power supply and poor distribution. The government must invest in energy and power infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
15. Transportation: Nigeria’s transportation system is inadequate, with poor road conditions, limited public transportation, and inadequate airport facilities. The government must invest in transportation infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
16. Housing and Urban Development: Nigeria’s housing sector is in a state of crisis due to inadequate housing stock, poor living conditions, and limited access to affordable housing. The government must invest in housing and urban development to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
17. Disaster Management: Nigeria is prone to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. The government must invest in disaster management and preparedness to minimize the impact of these disasters.
18. Social Welfare: Nigeria has a large population of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. The government must invest in social welfare programs to improve the quality of life for these groups.
19. Public Health: Nigeria is facing a public health crisis due to inadequate healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare services. The government must invest in public health to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
20. Water and Sanitation: Nigeria has inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, leading to water-borne diseases and poor hygiene. The government must invest in water and sanitation infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
21. Waste Management: Nigeria is facing a waste management crisis due to inadequate waste disposal facilities and poor waste management practices. The government must invest in waste management infrastructure to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
22. Tourism and Cultural Heritage: Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage and tourism potential, but the government must invest in tourism infrastructure and cultural preservation to promote tourism and cultural exchange.
23. Research and Development: Nigeria must invest in research and development to improve its economic competitiveness and address its development challenges. The government must establish research institutions and provide funding for research projects.
24. Digital Economy: Nigeria must invest in the digital economy to improve its economic competitiveness and address its development challenges. The government must establish digital infrastructure and provide funding for digital projects.
25. Good Governance: Good governance is essential for Nigeria’s development and stability. The government must ensure transparency, accountability, and the rule of law to improve the quality of life for its citizens.

As Nigeria marks a quarter-century of democracy day in governance, the nation is at a crossroads. The 25 important needs and areas outlined are not just policy points; they are urgent aspects that the Nigerian government must heed to safeguard the nation’s democratic principles and enhance a thriving, equitable society.

The post 25 Needs, Areas Nigerian Government Can No Longer Ignore appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Being Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, Nigeria has its democratic progress filled with a wide continental trend in governance.

From Military Rule to Democratic Governance. Nigeria’s change from military to civilian rule has been a good turning point in its political history. Democracy in Nigeria has brought about improvements over military rule, particularly in terms of freedom of expression and media.

Under civilian rule, Nigerians enjoy the liberty to speak out and engage in public discourse without fear of government retribution. This freedom is essential for accountability and an informed citizenry.

Nigeria officially embraced democracy in 1999, ending decades of military dictatorships that had suppressed political freedom and governance. This change opened the doors for a more inclusive and participatory political system, albeit with its own set of challenges.

When compared to other African nations, such as South Africa, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been different. South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a democratic regime in 1994 was a global event, showing the power of reconciliation and the establishment of a solid constitutional democracy.

In contrast, Nigeria has faced challenges in creating national unity within its complex social space, comprising over 200 ethnic groups.

Both Nigeria and South Africa have faced issues of electoral violence, one-party dominance, and voter dynamics. Nigeria’s elections have often been marred by violence, voter intimidation, and ballot rigging, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

South Africa, while not immune to these issues, has managed to maintain a relatively peaceful electoral environment.

Internationally, Nigeria’s democratic standing is mixed. The country performs in the mid-range regarding representation, rights, and participation, but falls in the low range for the rule of law. It ranks in the top 25% of countries globally in civic engagement but is in the bottom 25% for several factors related mainly to rights.

Important Benchmarks in Nigeria’s Democracy

• 1999: The election of Olusegun Obasanjo as president heralded the Fourth Republic, bringing an end to military rule and starting a new chapter of civilian governance.

• 2003: President Obasanjo’s re-election for a second term, reinforcing the democratic process.

• 2007: The election of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, although his tenure was cut short by his untimely death in 2010.

• 2010: Goodluck Jonathan became president, emphasizing the constitutional provision for succession.

• 2015: The peaceful transfer of power to Muhammadu Buhari, pointing out the first time an incumbent president was defeated in an election.

• 2023: Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office as the 16th President of Nigeria, succeeding Muhammadu Buhari.

Despite the establishment of democratic institutions, Nigeria has faced issues such as electoral malpractices, corruption, and a lack of solid political inclusion.

However, there have been notable improvements in areas like economic growth, with Nigeria’s GDP growing six-fold since the return to democracy.

The country has also seen advancements in civil liberties, although challenges remain in regions affected by insurgency.

Voices of Political Analysts

Dr Leena Koni Hoffmann, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, notes that while Nigeria has a democratic constitution and federal system modelled on the US, it still faces entrenched corruption and weak democratic institutions.

Similarly, the United States Institute of Peace highlights the need for a reset of Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing the role of the youth and civil society in demanding change.

Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads. The need for political reforms, stronger institutions, and genuine political inclusion is highly necessary.

The Nigerian experience teaches that democracy is not just about holding elections but also about strengthening institutions, ensuring the rule of law, and enabling civic engagement.

The importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and corruption is also important, as these issues can undermine democratic values and citizen trust in the system.

The post Reflecting on Nigeria’s 25th Anniversary of Democratic Government appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event, marking the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria, saw 37 artists from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) collaborate to create the artwork.

For some, the portrait, intended as a tribute to President Tinubu, is a representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and its democratic values.

Others view it as a misplaced priority, questioning the timing and the significance of such a grand gesture amidst the country’s disturbing economic and social challenges.

Being inspired by portraits of former U.S. President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth, the artwork combines a theme of leadership with cultural importance. The event was a communal initiative by the Artefact Gallery, Best Theatre Company, and the National Council for Arts and Culture.

Albeit, social media platforms have been abuzz with comments ranging from sarcastic commendations to outright bashing.

Cornelius Ikpe sarcastically congratulated Nigerians, stating that simply viewing the portrait and drinking water would suffice in these trying times. Another user spoke with disbelief at the focus on the portrait, urging the government to address more pressing issues like the high inflation rate affecting food prices.

Again, Amaechi Ifeanyi commented sarcastically, “What a great achievement! We are doing very well as a country. This will no doubt boost our economy. The government has done well. Mtchew!”

Al-amin Shuayb expressed frustration with the current economic situation, saying, “Oga President, what kills Nigerians in APC’s rule is border closure, forget about our major rice millers and allow importation of foodstuffs. Having three square meals these days has been classified as a miracle for the common man.”

Many comments show dissatisfaction with what is perceived as misplaced priorities. Ebuka Emmanuel stated, “No tangible stuff to be used to celebrate him… one year in office they use a change of national anthem to celebrate him… democracy day they are using this one to celebrate him… we are doomed.”

Micheal Olaogun agreed to this, stating, “Just imagine… a sane and responsible person will be ashamed and will order that this act of nuisance be reversed. 40% inflation on food prices and all they have to do is this??? Of course he’s mastered the art of the 48 laws of power which promote deception, manipulation, and exploitation of others.”

The unveiling has also prompted calls for more direct action to address Nigeria’s pressing issues. “These people act like they don’t care about the public outcry. We need to take over the entire country with protests clamouring for good governance. Freedom is not served on a plate of gold. We Nigerians need to fight for our freedom from these cruel people,” Kareem urged.

While some see the portrait as a positive symbol of unity, others view it as a distraction from the real issues facing the country. “What we need is the naira to be the world’s most valued currency under Tinubu. Una too dey get time for trivial things for this una country,” lamented a Joel Mone.

The canvas painting of President Tinubu has become a canvas for the Nigerian people to project their frustrations and hopes for the country.

The post Nigerians React to the World’s Largest Canvas Painting of President Tinubu appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

He stated this in his Democracy Day broadcast to mark the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.

“It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil”, the president said.

TEXT OF PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S NATIONAL BROADCAST ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNBROKEN DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, DEMOCRACY ​DAY 12TH JUNE 2024 ABUJA:

My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.

Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator.

We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one.

Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten.

We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties

Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer.

The power of an idea, the power of the people proved more potent than all the guns and munitions, than all the guns, the munitions and the threats of the strongmen.

The nation exited the yoke of military rule in 1999 to become the most populous democracy on African soil, the beacon of democratic self-determination for the black race and one of the largest democracies in the world.

This change stands as a pivotal moment in human history. From this change, we shall never turn, nor shall the annals of mankind’s progress forget the sublime meaning of this great moment.

Today, 25 years later, we celebrate the silver anniversary of our journey in democracy.

We have steadied the course.

Democracy is neither a foreign nor abstract concept devoid of real-life meaning for us. Neither can we afford to reduce or minimalise it to being nothing but the mere holding of periodic elections where one candidate and party outdo another.

While elections attract dramatic attention, they are but one aspect of democracy. Democracy is a way of life that encompasses a broad outlook of which elections are but a part. As such, a nation can have elections without being democratic. But a nation cannot be truly democratic without holding elections.

That we have established a tradition of holding transparent, open, and fair elections gives credence to our democratic bearing. That we have experienced peaceful transitions of government affirms our democratic temperament.

Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.

Democracy does not assume some false or forced unity of opinion. In fact, democracy assumes that conflicting ideas and differing opinions shall be the order of the day. Given the diversity and variety of the human experience, there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints.

What democracy demands is that we do not resolve differences through force and repression. But we make allowance for the legitimacy of views that differ from our own.

Where other forms of government impose against the will of the people, democracy aims to make leaders sufficiently humble that they conduct themselves as servants of the common good, not as viceroys of the narrow interests of the mighty.

My dear compatriots, Nigeria faced a decision of untold gravity twenty-five years ago: Whether to veer toward a better destination or continue aimlessly in the fog of dictatorship.

We made the right choice then. We must continue with that choice now.

As Nigerians, we must remind ourselves that no matter how complicated democracy may be, it is the best form of governance in the long run. We must also be aware that there are those among us who will try to exploit current challenges to undermine, if not destroy, this democracy for which so much has already been given.

These people do this not to make things better but to subject all other people and things to their control and dominance until the point that, if you are not counted among their elite, then your life will be small and no longer owned by you.

This is the great battle of our day and the major reason we specially celebrate this Democracy day.

Fellow Nigerians, our Democracy is more than a historic fact. It is a living, breathing reality.

The true meaning of this day is not to focus solely on the great deeds of the past that have brought us to this point.

Yes, we pay eternal honour to those who laid down their lives, sacrificing everything to pave the way for the nation.

I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.

As president of this nation, I am morally and constitutionally bound to preserve this precious form of governance. I vow to do my utmost best to protect your rights, freedoms, and liberties as citizens of Nigeria.

Even more than that, I pledge to do whatever is necessary to cement democracy as our way of life.

Although the challenges are steep and multiple, I am grateful to lead Nigeria at this moment in her history and point in her democratic journey.

I come before you also to declare that our most important work remains before us. This real test has never been whether we would rise to challenge the slings of misfortune and grievous pain of dictatorship.

The real test is whether we shall lower our guards as the shadow of despotism and its evident physical danger fade.

I say to you here and now that as we celebrate the enshrinement of our political democracy, let us commit ourselves to the fulfilment of its equally important counterpart, the realisation of our economic democracy.

I understand the economic difficulties we face as a nation.

Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades. It has been unbalanced because it was built on the flawed foundation of over-reliance on revenues from the exploitation of oil.

The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.

As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you.

In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.

In the face of labour’s call for a national strike, we did not seek to oppress or crack down on the workers as a dictatorial government would have done. We chose the path of cooperation over conflict.

No one was arrested or threatened. Instead, the labour leadership was invited to break bread and negotiate toward a good-faith resolution.

Reasoned discussion and principled compromise are hallmarks of democracy. These themes shall continue to animate my policies and interaction with the constituent parts of our political economy.

I take on this vital task without fear or favour and I commit myself to this work until we have built a Nigeria where no man is oppressed.

In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one.

The words of the American President Franklin Roosevelt certainly ring true:

” There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still”!

We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair.

We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!

The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach. Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination.

Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward.

Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.

I wish us all a Happy Democracy Day.

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

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