How To Make Nigeria’s Democracy Stable Using Economic Policies — Jonathan 

By Akanni Toba

Former president Goodluck Jonathan has highlighted how Nigeria’s democracy can be made sustainable and productive in the face of numerous challenges confronting it.

Jonathan noted that Nigeria’s democracy can only be stable, sustainable and productive by adopting effective economic policies that deliver tangible dividends to the citizens.

The ex-president made this claim on Thursday while speaking  in Lagos at the 10th anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

The occasion was seized to launch a report on strengthening the link between democracy and economic growth in Nigeria.

Jonathan stressed that the beauty of democracy lies in improving living standards and economic conditions of the citizens while identifying insecurity, social challenges, and growing distrust in public institutions as some of the challenges confronting democracy globally.

“In Africa, these pressures are further reflected in contested elections, democratic backsliding, and rising instability,” he said.

Jonathan noted that while democracy is often defined by elections, its true value lies in accountability, inclusion, and the creation of opportunities for citizens.

He added that it would take the support of transparent and responsive institutions to make democracy viable and productive  for the citizens of a country.

The ex-governor noted that where democratic governments fail to deliver economic progress, they risk weakening public trust and legitimacy.

He said Nigeria’s experience shows that democracy must be matched with deliberate economic planning to remain relevant and effective.

“Sustaining Nigeria’s democracy requires effective economic policies,” he said.

Jonathan added that countries must focus on aligning democratic governance with policies that promote growth, employment, and shared prosperity.

He also pointed to global examples like China and the United Arab Emirates, where some non-democratic systems have recorded significant economic gains, raising questions about the assumed link between democracy and development.

Jonathan urged policymakers, civil society actors, and the private sector to ensure that democratic governance translates into real improvements in citizens’ lives.

He said the goal should be a system where democracy not only survives but delivers opportunity, prosperity, and justice for all Nigerians.