By Felix Khanoba
As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day 2024, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for a critical reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, on Friday, CNG lamented the failure of Nigeria’s democratic process to deliver its promised benefits after more than 25 years.
The group highlighted that, despite Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, many Nigerians continue to endure extreme poverty and economic instability, conditions that were not as prevalent during past military regimes.
“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a poverty rate of 63%, with over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty,” Charanchi noted. “Unemployment is at 33.3%, with youth unemployment exceeding 50%, leaving many young people without viable job opportunities.”
Charanchi also pointed out the troubling rise in inflation and interest rates, with inflation hitting 33.69% and interest rates climbing from 6.05% in 1999 to 26.25% in 2024.
He said additionally, the number of out-of-school children has surged from 7.4 million in 1999 to 18.5 million today, underscoring a severe decline in educational accessibility.
The CNG attributed these economic difficulties to years of mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of genuine commitment to national development by political leaders.
The pro-northern group criticized the influence of international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, whose policies, they argue, have exacerbated economic disparities.
“Minimum wage has dropped in value from $195 in 1981 to just $21.22 today,” Charanchi stated. “Fuel prices have skyrocketed from N20 per liter in 1999 to N701.24 per liter, reflecting severe inflation and anti-people economic policies. Diesel prices have also surged, indicating a steep rise in energy costs.”
CNG’s statement further criticized the disparity between the promises of democracy and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, suggesting that the benefits of democracy have been confined to politicians and senior civil servants. They called attention to the rampant corruption and lack of accountability within the political system, which they claim has entrenched poverty and economic hardship for the majority.
Highlighting the severe depreciation of the Naira and the country’s escalating public debt, the CNG noted that the exchange rate against the US dollar has plummeted from N84.70 in 1999 to N1,479.69 in 2024, with public debt soaring from around N3 trillion to N97.34 trillion over the same period, adding that oil production, a major revenue source for Nigeria, has also declined from 2.21 million barrels per day in 1999 to 1.28 million in 2024.
The group also lamented the insurgency in the North East, which has claimed over 35,000 lives, with an additional 15,000 deaths reported in the North West, and millions displaced.
“Our democracy has been hijacked by a select few who prioritize personal gain over national welfare,” the statement read. “As we observe Democracy Day, it is imperative for all Nigerians to reflect on the current state of our democracy and its effectiveness. It is clear that democracy, as currently practiced, has failed to provide development, security, and prosperity for the general populace.”
CNG concluded by urging Nigerians to consider a system of governance that aligns with the country’s traditions, culture, and history, one that promotes security, economic development, and genuine public participation.
