By Sola Ogundipe

 Concerned about enhancing democratic institutions to achieve a more inclusive and lasting democracy in Nigeria, the private sector has been charged to play a more active role in safeguarding the media, judiciary, electoral bodies, and accountability agencies.

Stakeholders who made the call during a private sector forum aimed at addressing the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening, NADS, in Lagos, decried the negative impact of corruption as barrier to Nigeria’s democratic and economic development, saying it is eroding public trust and weakening government institutions.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Private Sector Development for democracy Forum, PSDdA, Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson proposed enacting and promoting laws that safeguard media independence, fostering collaboration with civil society and international partners to advocate for press freedom.

He emphasised the role of civil society organizations and the media in holding the judiciary accountable, noting the importance of a free and independent media to expose corruption, promote transparency, and inform the public about judicial proceedings.

“To strengthen press freedom and independence of media houses, we need to enact and promote robust legislative measures, safeguard media independence, empower civil society and international partners, and enhance and invest in training journalists in colleges, among others.

“What is most lacking in Nigeria is the failure to hold people liable. You have to make examples of criminals. It is part of teaching society how to behave”, Candide-Johnson noted.

Further, he observed that the environment for corruption must be made harsh and intolerable even as the skills and knowledge of journalists through training programmes is continuously enhanced.

Country Director at the Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE, Mrs Lola Adekanye argued for building of trust among stakeholders noting that strong democratic institutions are essential for upholding justice, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust. 

“In Nigeria, the judiciary, media, electoral bodies, and accountability agencies play crucial roles in preserving democratic principles, but they are often hindered by political interference, weak regulatory frameworks, and limited operational independence.

“Strengthening these institutions is key to a resilient and transparent democracy. In Nigeria, there is a significant need for continuous training for government workers and improved civic education for the public.

“Building the skills of public officials and educating citizens on their democratic rights and responsibilities will foster a more efficient government and an empowered, informed society,” Adekanye noted.

Also speaking, the Vice President/Country Director of DAI, Dr. Joe Abah, lamented the proliferation of corruption in the country, and called for urgent change .

“We have got disregard for principles. There is a blurring of the boundary between right and wrong; and in many cases the blurring of the lines between good and evil. It is really important that integrity and code of conduct in the private sector are upheld.”

On her part, the Chairman/Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, ABC, Margaret Olele said, “The PSDdF is a coalition moving forward in a positive light. We are advancing the course of the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening, and the key outcomes of this forum will form our collaboration with the government.”