Democracy Day: Yiaga Africa Demands New Social Compact With Citizens

Yiaga Africa has charged the government to renegotiate a new social compact with Nigerians in light of the declined trust in its institutions over the past 25 years of Nigeria’s democratic experience.

In its Democracy Day message yesterday, the civil society organisation said renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources as well as emphasize shared values and responsibilities, fostering community and solidarity among citizens.

Executive director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, who signed the statement, however paid special tribute to our forefathers and mothers who led the struggle for democracy, adding that their courage and resistance to authoritarian rule paved the way for the enthronement of democracy.

On the imperative of negotiating a new social compact with citizens, Itodo said, “Trust in government and institutions has declined over the past 25 years. A new social compact can help restore this trust by making governance more transparent, accountable, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

“Renegotiating the social compact can create a more inclusive society with equal opportunities and access to resources for all.

“It can also emphasize shared values and responsibilities, fostering community and solidarity among citizens. This is crucial for addressing collective challenges such as public health crises, security threats, economic depression, political exclusion and social cohesion.

“After 25 years, it is clear that Nigeria needs to build a more resilient, equitable, and just society.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we call on all stakeholders – government, political parties, civil society, and the private sector – to negotiate a new social compact with citizens.

“This social compact should aim to achieve the following objectives; Improve social conditions through wealth redistribution, job creation, and food security; Safeguard the right to vote and respects choices expressed through the ballot.

“Strengthen local governance by devolving powers to local governments, promoting local democracy, and enabling citizen participation; Deepen public accountability and ensure consequences for breaches of public trust; Protect human rights and civil liberties, especially press freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly,” he noted.

On the way forward, the executive director said there is a need to strengthen Institutions by reinforcing the independence and capacity of democratic institutions, including INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption bodies, to operate without fear or favor.

He also canvassed the promotion of political education which will enhance political education to empower citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in the democratic process especially holding public leaders to account for the power they hold in trust for the people.

“Fostering dialogue and collaboration: Encouraging dialogue and collaboration among political actors, civil society, and the private sector to address common challenges and build a more inclusive democracy.

“Protecting human Rights: Upholding and protecting the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians, ensuring that every citizen can freely express their views, assemble, and participate in the political process without fear of retribution,” he said.

Itodo however added that  democracy has enabled increased citizens participation and strengthened democratic institutions despite the allure of institutional capture.

He said periodic elections, despite challenges and the transition of power attests, to the durability of Nigeria’s democracy.

He noted that vibrant civil society, media and active citizens have been pivotal to democratic consolidation in the last 25 years but lamented the incidences of election malpractices, electoral violence and intimidation remain a significant concern, deterring voter participation and compromising the integrity of elections.

He added, “Corruption and lack of accountability by public leaders continues to plague Nigeria’s political landscape, eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“Despite progress, women, youth, and persons with disability remain underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making processes. Deep-seated socio-economic inequalities hinder the full realization of democratic rights for many Nigerians.

“Journalists, civic activists and citizens experience attacks, intimidation, frivolous litigation, and unlawful detention by state forces for speaking truth to power,” he said.

  • Related Posts

    NNPC Remits over N10tn to Federation in 8 Months, Records N4.2tn Revenue in August

    NNPC Remits over N10tn to Federation in 8 Months, Records N4.2tn Revenue in August

    •Profit declines by N323bn m-o-m  

    •Production constraints persist despite fiscal gains

    Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) remitted N10.073 trillion to the Federation Account between January and August 2025, according to the company’s September 2025 monthly performance report released yesterday.

    The cumulative figure represents statutory payments from oil and gas operations over the first eight months of the year, with the national oil company recording N4.26 trillion revenue in August alone.

    The remitted funds include proceeds from crude and condensate sales, gas sales, royalties, taxes, and other payments due to the Federation. The remittance in August was an increase of about N1.21 trillion compared to July.

    This is against the company’s cumulative remittance of N8.86 trillion to the Federation Account between January and July 2025, underscoring its growing role as the country’s fiscal anchor despite persistent industry challenges.

    While the company also declared a profit after tax of N539 billion for the previous month in August, backed by steady crude oil and gas output, stronger product availability, and improved operational efficiency across its facilities, however this declined in September to N216 billion. This constituted about N323 billion reduction in profit.

    But the September profit was an increase compared to the N185 billion declared in July; but a slump from the N905 billion declared for its June operations and  a further drop from the N1.054 trillion recorded in the previous month of May.

    Besides, Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.61 million bpd in September as against 1.65 million barrels per day in August, which further represented a 2.9 per cent dip from July’s 1.70 million bpd production.

    Crude oil and condensate production averaged around 1.56 to 1.69 million barrels per day during the period, including condensates. Although below the nation’s technical capacity, the level was sufficient to support a reasonable inflow into government accounts.

    The report attributed temporary output moderation to planned maintenance activities at key facilities, including the Nigeria LNG plant, and delays in the recommencement of operations at certain oil mining leases.

    On gas, average daily production stood at about 6.28 billion standard cubic feet per day in September, while a significant portion of this was commercialised through domestic and export channels, contributing to the overall revenue performance.

    Despite the fiscal operations outcome, operational challenges persisted across parts of the production and supply chain. Maintenance shutdowns at producing terminals and pipeline constraints continued to limit crude evacuation.

    But the report noted gradual recovery of previously shut-in volumes and ongoing work on critical infrastructure such as the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline. Once completed, the OB3 line is expected to enhance gas transportation and support industrial supply growth. It reported that OB3 is now at 96 per cent completion.

    In the same vein, the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is now at 88 per cent completion, while upstream pipeline availability was 96 per cent during the month under consideration. NNPC Retail maintained a significant level of fuel supply across the country during the review month, with most of its filling stations having products at 77 per cent.

    Beyond its operational metrics, the report also highlighted several public-impact activities executed through the NNPC Foundation. These included training programmes for more than 7,000 smallholder farmers in the northern region, free cardiac interventions for indigent patients, and participation in creative-industry development initiatives. Although not directly linked to core operations, these interventions formed part of the company’s social-investment commitments.

    The report further indicated that all production, sales, and financial figures are provisional, pending reconciliation with relevant stakeholders. Nonetheless, the trend suggests that NNPC could exceed its 2024 remittance record if current conditions persist through the final quarter of the year.

    Tinubu Nominates Bernard Dodo As Minister, Forwards Name To Senate For Confirmation 

    Tinubu Nominates Bernard Dodo As Minister, Forwards Name To Senate For Confirmation 

    Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

    President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a letter to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Dr Doro’s nomination follows Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in July 2025. Yilwatda previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro has over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership and community engagement in the UK and Nigeria.

    He has degrees in Pharmacy and law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice..

    Doro is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices and hospital settings.

    He has also led youth mentorship and social impact initiatives in the diaspora and local communities.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Roxettes Group mulls relocating plants from Southeast to Lagos over insecurity  

    Lagos reintroduces another 61-day amnesty window on existing buildings without planning permit

    LivingTrust Mortgage Bank records N255.6 million pre-tax profit in Q3 2025, up 7.04% 

    Lagos insists computer village relocation will soon be a reality with flexible payment plan

    Abbey Mortgage posts N670 million pre-tax profit in Q3 2025, beats forecast

    Naira breaks below N2,000/£ against the British Pound Sterling

    ATM withdrawals climb to N15.97 trillion in Q1 2025 despite new fees 

    S&P Global Commodity Insights targets Nigeria’s mineral development push, opens country office

    S&P Global Commodity Insights targets Nigeria’s mineral development push, opens country office

    Canal+ takeover: MultiChoice to delist from Johannesburg Stock Exchange December 10  

    Red Star Express grows Q2 2025 profit by 98.8% as revenue hits N5.8 billion 

    Where to buy gold in Lagos: 5 markets every buyer should know 

    Access Holdings posts N320.57 billion pre-tax profit in first half of 2025 

    Top 10 high-paying artisan jobs in Germany for skilled migrants in 2025 

    Meet Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff 

    Fintech holds key to Africa’s $17 trillion real estate market – Virety CEO 

    Bank of Agriculture secures $200 million Livelihood Support Fund for displaced Nigerians  

    Lagos Free Zone remains the best investment destination for Nordic businesses in Nigeria – CEO, LFZ, Adesuwa Ladoja 

    Customs intercepts drugs concealed in imported vehicles worth N5.3 billion at Tin Can Port 

    DMO re-opens N260 billion AUG-2030, JUN-2032 bonds on Monday 

    Finally, Nigeria Exits FATF, Global Financial Crime Watchlist

    Abimbola Olashore: As Kids, We Used to Sit on NTA’sFloor for Tales By Moonlight

    Redesigning Skills for Nigeria, Others’ Creative Future

    Nivea Rolls-out 100million Fund to Advance Child Wellness

    Stallion Group Unveils 4 New MG Models in Nigeria

    Spiro Electric Bikes Cut Costs, Promote Cleaner Environment

    Report Says Human Skills Crucial to Stay Relevant in AI Era

    Naira strengthens to N1,455/$ as foreign reserves hit $42.8 billion 

    Aradel Holdings acquires 40% ND Western, deepens upstream footprint 

    FMDQ Exchange lists N30.05 billion fresh Commercial Papers in one week 

    Tigran Gambaryan: Court sets November 27 for judgement in detention case against Nigeria

    Tinubu hails FATF for removing Nigeria from grey list, calls it reform milestone 

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    NGF, federal stakeholders, Woodhall Capital explore funding frameworks for state-led infrastructure – Organisers

    Kaduna: SON destroys N25 million worth of expired sugar, substandard goods

    IMTO inflows down $193.14 million in Q1 2025, miss remittance target

    FATF removes Nigeria from grey list, boosting investor confidence

    Afreximbank assets grow to $40 billion as Elombi takes over presidency