Metro
One Year After #EndSARS: Nigeria Remains “Ungovernable” and “Abysmal” on Transparency
By Joel Popoola
In October 2020 the eyes of the World were on Nigeria as the #EndSARS protests – the largest anti-government protests in a generation – took on corrupt elites.
The demonstrations began life as a movement against police brutality but rapidly snowballed into wider calls for government reforms – in particular greater accountability.
If nothing else, the protests did succeed in ending SARS, the widely-loathed police unit.
But in October 2021, what else has changed?
But this week, The Economist – perhaps the World’s most influential current affairs publication – called Nigeria “ungovernable… the crime scene at the heart of Africa”.
It writes: “Parts of it are thriving, especially in the south-west. Lagos, the commercial capital (which) is home to vigorous banks, a hip technology scene and a flourishing film industry”.
But overall the Economist finds the condition of Nigeria to be at “its worst since the civil war” with President Buhari accused of “allowing the rot to deepen”.
More striking criticism came closer to home, from the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity’s new Transparency and Integrity Index.
The Index aims to establish government agencies, public bodies and state and local government’s performance when it comes to putting vital information relating to good governance into the public domain.
The Abuja-based non-governmental organisation has ranked every one of Nigeria’s 475 public bodies for transparency and found them to be performing “abysmally”.
Agencies are ranked scored from 0-100, with agencies scoring 0-44 ranked “very poor”.
Every organisation is scored less than 40 – with the Family Homes Fund ranked Nigeria’s most transparent public body with a score of just 34.9.
The Nigerian Police force finds itself down in 135th place, with a score of just 13.
Although the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria is top rated for Budget and Audit Reporting, it’s score of 40 still rates it as “very poor”.
You read that correctly, our official Financial Reporting body is rated “very poor” at Financial Reporting! And still better than anyone else!
In terms of government ministries, the Department of Aviation is rated the best –albeit with a “Very poor” score of 23.35 – the Ministry of the Interior is the worst, scoring just 7.14.
In terms of political bodies, 24 out of our 36 state governments record the lowest possible rating – with Kaduna ranked best, and Zamfura ranked worst.
A number of agencies are even described as “completely non-compliant”.
The group’s executive director, Umar Yakubu has stated that the index is designed to be “our own way of supporting the government in doing the right thing.”
At the digital democracy campaign I lead, we want to do the same thing.
It is individual politicians who must turn this miserable tide, by making themselves true role models for transparency.
We have created a free mobile app called Rate Your Leader to enable them to deliver maximum transparency to their voters.
Rate Your Leader is a direct line to verified local voters, making politicians accessible and transparent enough to answer any question the people who elect them have, and giving them the platform to make vital information immediately available and accessible.
Local leaders also need explain themselves better. The app also puts local officials in direct person-to-person contact with the people they serve, allowing voters to contact them, and helping politicians get better insight into the needs and wishes of the people who elect them.
If politicians using Rate Your Leader are responsive, accessible and authoritative, and explain the decisions they are taking clearly and satisfactorily, their voters can give them a positive rating. If people see that neighbours who have interacted with their local politicians have all rated them highly, that builds trust in our leaders. And that in turn builds trust in our system.
Have things changed since #EndSARS? Not enough.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t.
A year ago our young people demonstrate to us their bravery, energy and imagination. The fate of Nigeria’s political system may well depend on whether they can repeat that achievement in a more formal political setting.
Campaigns like ours, and technologies like Rate Your Leader are designed to facilitate that change.
With more Nigerian’s owning a smartphone than PVC, the power to make that change is in literally in our hands– thanks to the very technology scene The Economist cites as one of our nation’s remaining strengths.
Joel Popoola is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur, digital democracy campaigner and creator of the free Rate Your Leader app. Connect with Joel on Twitter @JOPopoola. He can be reached via @JOPopoola
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
