NGIJ Commends Tinubu’s Reforms, Demands Stronger Press Freedom and Security on Democracy Day

As Nigeria marked the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing bold reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy, while urging the government to demonstrate greater commitment to press freedom, security, and citizens’ welfare.

In a statement jointly signed by the President of the Guild, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and its Secretary, Mr. Rowland Olonishuwa, the NGIJ joined millions of Nigerians in commemorating the nation’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, describing Democracy Day as a celebration of the resilience of Nigerians and the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes.

The Guild acknowledged that democracy remains the most viable system for promoting accountability, popular participation, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and sustainable national development.

It noted that while Nigeria has made remarkable democratic progress since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the task of building a more inclusive, prosperous and equitable society remains unfinished.

The NGIJ specifically praised President Tinubu for what it described as “bold policy decisions and reforms” targeted at strengthening key sectors of governance and repositioning the economy.

The Guild highlighted ongoing fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, local government autonomy, digital transformation initiatives, and efforts aimed at attracting foreign investment and improving Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

According to the statement, the administration’s attempts to improve revenue generation and address longstanding structural challenges confronting the country represent difficult but necessary steps toward national progress and economic stability.

However, the Guild stressed that democracy should not be judged solely by policy declarations but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

It expressed concern over the rising cost of living, persistent inflation, unemployment, poverty, insecurity and declining purchasing power, warning that millions of citizens continue to grapple with severe economic hardship.

“While reforms may be yielding long-term prospects, there is an urgent need for more robust social protection measures and targeted interventions to cushion the immediate hardships experienced by ordinary Nigerians,” the Guild stated.

The investigative journalists also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and other criminal activities threatening national stability and economic productivity.

The Guild further urged governments at all levels to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms, reinforce anti-corruption institutions and ensure that governance remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens.

Of particular concern to the NGIJ was the issue of press freedom, which it described as a cornerstone of democratic governance.

It maintained that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment, censorship, arbitrary arrests or threats to their safety.

The Guild noted that investigative journalism plays a critical role in exposing corruption, promoting transparency, amplifying citizens’ voices and holding public officials accountable.

Consequently, it called on the Federal Government, security agencies, political actors and other stakeholders to uphold media freedom as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

“The safety and protection of journalists must be treated as a national priority. Attacks on journalists and restrictions on access to public information undermine democratic values and weaken public trust in governance,” the statement said.

The NGIJ also urged political leaders, civil society groups, traditional institutions, the private sector and citizens to renew their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, electoral integrity and responsible civic engagement.

Describing democracy as a continuous process rather than a one-time event, the Guild said both leaders and citizens have a shared responsibility to safeguard democratic values through vigilance, participation and accountability.

Reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, investigative reporting, human rights and good governance, the NGIJ pledged to continue deploying factual, balanced and public-interest journalism in support of nation-building and democratic consolidation.

“As we mark Democracy Day 2026, we celebrate the resilience of Nigerians and reaffirm our collective hope for a nation where justice prevails, opportunities abound, institutions are strengthened, and democratic dividends are felt by every citizen regardless of status, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” the Guild stated.
It wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and expressed optimism about the country’s democratic future.