The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has urged Nigerians to reflect critically on the state of democracy as the nation celebrates Democracy Day in 2024.
“Democracy as practiced in Nigeria has failed to deliver its promised benefits to the people,” CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi stated in a statement shared with journalists on Friday.
Despite 25 years of democratic governance, key indicators show worsening economic conditions.
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The National Bureau of Statistics reports a poverty rate of 63%, with over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty.
Unemployment has soared to 33.3%, with youth unemployment surpassing 50%. Inflation has skyrocketed from 10% pre-democracy to 33.69%, eroding purchasing power and living standards.
“The inflation rate now stands at an all-time high,” Charanchi highlighted. “Interest rates have jumped from 6.05% in 1999 to 26.25% in 2024, signaling tight monetary policies amidst economic challenges.”
Educational accessibility has also declined, with the number of out-of-school children rising from 7.4 million in 1999 to 18.5 million in 2024.
According to CNG, these economic hardships stem from years of mismanagement and corruption.
“Corruption and lack of genuine commitment to economic development have left the Nigerian economy in tatters,” Charanchi noted.
“The minimum wage has plummeted in value from $195 in 1981 to just $21.22 today.”
Fuel prices have surged from N20 per liter in 1999 to N701.24 per liter in 2024, reflecting severe inflation and anti-people economic policies. Diesel prices have similarly escalated to N1415.06 per liter.
“Democracy in Nigeria appears to benefit only politicians and senior civil servants,” the statement read.
“Meanwhile, the general populace suffers in poverty and misery.”
The CNG criticized the influence of international financial institutions on Nigeria’s economic policies, resulting in significant currency devaluation and rising public debt.
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The Naira has depreciated from N84.70 to N1,479.69 against the US dollar since 1999, while public debt has ballooned from N3 trillion to N97.34 trillion.
Oil production has decreased from 2.21 million barrels per day in 1999 to 1.28 million in 2024, further straining the economy.
The insurgency in the North East has claimed over 35,000 lives, with another 15,000 deaths reported in the North West, creating millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
“Our democracy has been hijacked by a select few prioritizing personal gain over the nation’s welfare,” Charanchi asserted. “Corruption is endemic, and accountability is virtually non-existent.”
He said “As Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy, the CNG calls on all Nigerians to reflect on the system’s effectiveness.
“It is clear that democracy in its current form has failed to deliver development, security, and prosperity for all.
“We must either domesticate democracy or design a system that aligns with our traditions, culture, and history to ensure genuine progress.”