Nigeria celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democracy on October 1, 2026, but experts Prof. Itse Sagay and Comrade Yinka Folarin expressed concerns that the country has not grown as expected. Despite enjoying decades of democracy, Nigeria continues to struggle with poverty and insecurity. Sagay, former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), and Folarin, National President of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), shared their views in separate interviews with Daily Independent.
According to Sagay, Nigeria's standard of living is a major concern, with poverty and high cost of living affecting citizens. He attributed the recent removal of subsidy as a major contributor to the economic hardship, saying it was implemented in a brutal manner without adequate planning. The removal of subsidy has led to an increase in the cost of living, making it difficult for citizens to afford basic necessities like food and transportation.
Sagay also expressed concerns about the country's insecurity situation, saying that private armed groups have more power than the military and police. He urged the government to take urgent action to address the issue, saying that the current situation is unacceptable. Folarin echoed similar sentiments, saying that Nigeria's years of democracy do not justify its current state of poverty and underdevelopment.
Folarin stressed that Nigeria is blessed with abundant resources, including agriculture, but has refused to grow and develop. He described the situation as a solemn celebration, calling for sober reflection on the country's progress. According to him, a country that has claimed to have been under democracy for 27 years with so many years of independence, yet its citizens' right to life is still under serious threat.
The experts also highlighted other challenges facing the country, including a high number of out-of-school children and a high rate of unemployment. They called for sustainable security, sustainable peace, and good governance. Folarin emphasized that Nigeria's electoral system and the conduct of players need to be examined, and that the country's leaders must consider the gaps in its development.
Sagay and Folarin urged the government to take immediate action to address the country's challenges, including food security and general security of citizens. They emphasized that Nigeria has the potential to be a prosperous nation but has failed to live up to expectations. The experts' views reflect the concerns of many Nigerians who are seeking a better future for their country.
As Nigeria marks 27 years of democracy, the experts' comments serve as a reminder of the work that needs to be done to ensure a better future for its citizens. The government has been urged to prioritize the country's development, address the challenges facing its citizens, and work towards creating a prosperous nation.
Key points
- Nigeria's 27 years of democracy have been marred by underperformance.
- Experts cite poverty, insecurity, and high cost of living as major concerns.
- The government has been urged to take urgent action to address the country's challenges.
