The Transformative Governance Forum (TGF) has urged political leaders to deliver on the social promises of the Nigerian Constitution and called on citizens to demand accountability, reward responsive leadership with their votes and reject poor governance.
The Forum made the call in an Independence Day statement titled “The Flag Was the Beginning: 66 Years of a Promise Still Waiting,” issued by its Media and Policy Affairs Directorate in Abuja on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
TGF said independence should mean more than the raising of the national flag, arguing that the promise of nationhood must translate into access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities and a decent standard of living for Nigerians.
The Forum said Chapter II of the Constitution had already captured the social and economic aspirations of Nigerians, but maintained that the promise remained largely unfulfilled 66 years after independence.
‘Loyalty Must Be Matched With Competence’
On governance, TGF called for competence-based appointments, stressing that political loyalty should not be the sole qualification for holding public office.
According to the Forum, those who have demonstrated loyalty to a political cause deserve consideration, but “loyalty only opens the door and competence must carry the appointee through it.”
It urged government to assess appointees based on measurable results and replace those who fail to meet expectations, arguing that public office should be regarded as a trust held on behalf of citizens rather than a political reward.
TGF Commends Tinubu’s Reforms
The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing reforms it said previous administrations had been reluctant to undertake.
It specifically cited the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the exchange rate, tax reforms and the student loan scheme as significant measures, while urging the administration to complement reforms with stronger regulation to protect consumers and workers.
TGF warned against deregulation without effective regulation, saying such an approach could leave weaker participants at the mercy of stronger market players.
It also called for Nigeria to study social protection models from countries such as the Nordic nations and Germany and adapt relevant elements to Nigerian circumstances.
Calls for State Investment in Strategic Industries
On economic development, the Forum advocated greater government participation in strategic industries, including iron and steel, petrochemicals, fertilisers, drugs and vaccines.
It proposed substantial government ownership stakes in such sectors while insisting that professional boards should manage the enterprises without political interference.
The Forum also called for the establishment of a Post Bank with the capacity to accept deposits, alongside the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and other development banks to improve access to finance for farmers, traders and artisans.
TGF Demands Leaner Cost of Governance
The Forum further called for a reduction in the cost of governance, criticising what it described as excessive government spending on official convoys and imported luxury vehicles.
It advocated greater patronage of locally assembled vehicles, specifically mentioning Nord, Innoson and Proforce, as part of what it described as the need to make “Nigeria First” a practical policy rather than merely a slogan.
TGF also expressed concern over the contrast between official displays of affluence and the difficulties faced by Nigerians accessing basic healthcare, particularly women requiring safe childbirth and children suffering from preventable diseases.
Political Parties, Leadership Selection
On the political system, TGF said Nigeria should examine how leaders are selected and developed before attaining higher public office.
While referencing the Chinese principle of testing leaders through years of governance experience before entrusting them with greater responsibility, the Forum stressed that Nigeria should not copy another country’s political system wholesale but should adapt principles that promote capable leadership.
It called on the ruling progressive party to strengthen its primary election process so that candidates emerge on the basis of character, competence and service, rather than financial strength.
‘Power Is a Loan From the People’
TGF also charged President Tinubu to build a disciplined and ideologically anchored progressive political party capable of producing tested public servants beyond the tenure of individual leaders.
The Forum called for an end to what it described as a culture of public office holders treating themselves as superior to the citizens they serve.
“Power is a loan from the people, and it comes with a due date,” the Forum stated.
In its concluding message, TGF challenged leaders to remember the citizens affected by government decisions and urged public officials to live modestly, deliver tangible projects and appoint capable people to positions of responsibility.
The Forum equally charged citizens to take their civic responsibilities seriously, including scrutinising government actions, demanding accountability and making informed choices at the ballot box.
TGF said the Nigeria Nigerians desire would not be created by speeches alone, but through the collective actions of citizens and leaders who refuse to look away from the country’s challenges.
The Forum wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
Issued by:
Media and Policy Affairs Directorate
Transformative Governance Forum (TGF), Abuja
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