On August 1, 2024, Nigerians protested the country’s growing economic hardships, hunger, and the government’s failure to address unemployment and corruption. As of August 2024, the inflation rate was about 32 percent, affecting food prices and other basic amenities. Currently, inflation is about 35 percent. To tackle these challenges, Nigeria must reduce business regulations, reform the judicial system, and implement electoral reforms.
The #EndBadGovernance protest highlighted a broader discontent among Nigerians with their governance. The country struggles with corruption, economic mismanagement, and inadequate public services, which have undermined public trust in government institutions. The government’s systemic failures have led to pervasive poverty, unemployment, and a general sense of disenfranchisement among citizens. Thus, the protest became a platform for articulating a broader demand for good governance, transparency, and accountability.
To deal with underlying issues, the legislative arm of government should make business regulatory reforms to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment. These regulatory reforms stimulate economic activity because they eliminate restrictions on new businesses entering the market, therefore increasing competition. Because market competition exists, innovation improves, prices fall for consumers and more employment opportunities are created.
According to the International Monetary Fund, cutting down business regulations minimizes price controls, dismantles trade barriers, and fosters favorable conditions for the private sector. Cutting down business regulations also encourages foreign investment in the local economy.
For example, Rwanda has created a business-friendly environment by reducing business regulations and enhancing transparency. The change to business friendliness has led to foreign investment in sectors like agriculture, construction, and technology.
Another key perspective on addressing bad governance in Nigeria is reforming and reinforcing the nation’s judiciary. Judicial reform promotes accountability and transparency within government institutions.
A reformed judiciary can enhance the rule of law, ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently. Judicial reform fosters public trust in government and encourages citizen participation in the democratic process. For example, South Africa’s post-apartheid judicial reforms included the establishment of a new constitution (1996) that enshrines fundamental rights, justice, and equality.
Furthermore, electoral reform is a crucial step in preventing the further occurrence of protests. Electoral reforms involve strengthening the electoral commission to enhance elections’ integrity, fairness, and effectiveness. Implementing measures such as automated voter registration will make voting more accessible while increasing voter turnout.
An independent electoral commission ensures that elections are conducted fairly and impartially, leading to citizens’ trust in the electoral process. Citizens’ trust in the electoral system strengthens democracy by encouraging participation and holding the government accountable.
While the #EndBadGovernance protest reflects Nigerians’ frustrations, it also highlights the dire conditions of the country’s economic and political system. Nigerians must continue speaking out and holding leaders accountable to drive systemic change for transparent and effective governance that prioritizes public welfare. By doing so, Nigerians will lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future.
Mmesoma Stella Ezeh is a writing fellow at African Liberty. She is on X (Twitter): @MmesoStella.
First appeared in Sahara Reporters