Democracy Day: A Call for Democratic Dividend Delivery

As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day today, the Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre calls for sober reflection on our democratic journey—acknowledging both our achievements and confronting our shortcomings with honesty and resolve.

Twenty-five years after our return to civilian rule, we must ask ourselves: Have the benefits of democracy truly reached the ordinary Nigerian? Are our citizens experiencing the dividends that democratic governance promises?

While we celebrate the milestone of sustained democratic governance, we cannot ignore the reality that many Nigerians still lack access to basic amenities that define dignified living. Too many of our people continue to struggle without reliable electricity, clean water, quality healthcare, functional education systems, and secure environments.

Our Call to Government

The Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre therefore calls on all tiers of government to prioritize the delivery of essential services and infrastructure that enable every Nigerian to not just survive, but thrive in our society.

Democracy is not merely about conducting elections or maintaining political structures—it is about creating an environment where citizens can realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

We demand that our leaders move beyond rhetoric to concrete action. The provision of basic amenities and essential services is not a favor to citizens—it is a fundamental obligation of democratic governance.

The Path to Sustainable Democracy

True democratic sustainability requires more than institutional frameworks; it demands consistent delivery of the dividends that make democracy meaningful to the people. When citizens see tangible improvements in their daily lives—better schools for their children, reliable healthcare, functional infrastructure, and economic opportunities—they become stakeholders in preserving and strengthening our democratic system.

Only through the deliberate and sustained provision of essential services can we build both a sustainable environment and a sustainable democracy that serves all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location.

As we mark this Democracy Day, let us commit to making our democracy work for every Nigerian. The time for empty promises has passed. The time for delivery is now.