Good governance remains a critical ingredient for the growth, unity, and transformation of any nation. In Nigeria, a country blessed with enormous human and natural resources, the quest for good governance has continued to be at the heart of national debates. While institutions, laws, and leadership play central roles in governance, the media — both traditional and digital — stands as one of the most powerful catalysts for shaping democratic outcomes and ensuring governmental accountability.
This article explores the indispensable role of the media in the attainment of good governance in Nigeria, how Nigerians can form synergy by shaping public opinion, the importance of responsible social media use, lessons from global examples, and the necessity of staying informed about governmental operations to birth the renewed Nigeria envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm
The media is often referred to as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” because of its critical role in holding power to account. In Nigeria, where governance challenges range from corruption to insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural deficits, the media serves as both watchdog and educator. By exposing malpractices, amplifying citizen voices, and setting the agenda for national conversations, the media directly influences policymaking.
According to renowned political theorists, the effectiveness of governance in a democratic setting is largely dependent on how well citizens are informed. The media provides this bridge by ensuring that people understand government actions and can demand better service delivery.
Shaping Public Opinion Through Media Synergy
Nigerians must begin to see the media, especially social media, not just as a platform for entertainment or “catching cruise,” but as a tool for shaping public opinion and ventilating collective positions on national issues. When citizens unite to raise their voices, leaders are compelled to listen.
For instance, during the #EndSARS protests of 2020, social media amplified the voices of young Nigerians against police brutality. Though controversial in its aftermath, the protest showcased the undeniable power of collective action through digital platforms. Imagine if such synergy were channeled consistently toward demanding accountability in budget implementation, anti-corruption policies, or educational reforms.
Public opinion remains the bedrock of democracy. By writing op-eds, engaging in constructive debates online, organizing digital town halls, and following credible sources of information, Nigerians can build synergy that compels leaders to act responsibly.
The Power of Media in Shaping Government Policies
History has shown that the media does not merely report government policies; it influences their formulation and implementation. By spotlighting issues of concern, the media forces policymakers to prioritize them.
For example, consistent media coverage of insecurity in the North-East has not only mobilized humanitarian assistance but also shaped government responses such as counter-terrorism policies and rehabilitation programs for displaced persons. Similarly, the global attention drawn to oil theft and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta pushed successive governments to introduce amnesty programs and invest in environmental cleanup efforts.
Therefore, Nigerians must recognize that their voices, amplified through media, can shape the policy agenda. The difference between a passive populace and an active citizenry lies in how the media is used — whether to scroll and laugh at jokes or to demand accountability.
Lessons From Global Examples
Countries around the world provide lessons on how effective media utilization can enhance governance:
1. Estonia – This European nation is renowned for its digital democracy. Citizens actively engage with government policies through social media platforms and e-governance tools, which has made governance transparent and participatory.
2. South Korea – Through the use of social media, citizens pushed for transparency in governance, leading to the impeachment of a sitting president in 2017 after corruption scandals. This was possible because people used media responsibly to mobilize national sentiment.
3. United States – Citizens engage in robust debates on government policies through traditional and digital media. During election seasons, media plays a crucial role in shaping manifestos, policy directions, and voter participation.
4. India – With its large population, India has harnessed social media for policy awareness campaigns, from public health drives to digital payment systems. Citizens’ participation through media feedback has helped government design people-oriented programs.
These examples show that when media is deployed constructively, it not only informs but transforms governance.
The Dangers of Misinformation and the Need for Verification
While media is powerful, it can also be destructive when used irresponsibly. Misinformation and fake news remain major threats to Nigeria’s unity and governance. Unverified stories can fuel ethnic tensions, cause public unrest, and even derail government policies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently emphasized the need for responsible media use when he said: “Verify before you amplify.” This call underscores the importance of fact-checking before sharing information.
Citizens must learn to distinguish between credible journalism and fake content created to mislead. Following relevant government social media handles, such as those of ministries, agencies, and the presidency, will help Nigerians access accurate information. This reduces the chances of being manipulated by rumors or politically motivated falsehoods.
Staying Informed: The Pathway to Transformation
For Nigeria not to be “deformed,” citizens must be “informed.” Adequate information births transformation, and transformation is the foundation of good governance.
To experience a renewed Nigeria, citizens must be adequately informed about government operations at local, state, and national levels. This means paying attention to budget announcements, monitoring project execution, and actively participating in civic discussions.
Media literacy must also become part of national consciousness. Schools, religious institutions, and community organizations should teach young Nigerians how to consume media responsibly. When the populace is well-informed, manipulation becomes difficult, and governance becomes more transparent.
Tinubu’s Policies and the Quest for a Renewed Nigeria
Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched policies aimed at shaping a renewed Nigeria. His administration’s emphasis on economic reforms, social investment, and national security reflects a vision of transformation.
Fuel Subsidy Removal: Though controversial, this policy was designed to free up funds for infrastructural development and social welfare. Media coverage has played a critical role in shaping public debates around its implementation.
Students’ Loan Act: This initiative seeks to empower young Nigerians by making higher education accessible. Media discussions have helped inform students and parents about how the program will function.
Digital Economy Drive: Recognizing the power of technology, Tinubu’s administration has prioritized digital infrastructure. This aligns with the role of media in transforming governance, as citizens can leverage digital tools for accountability.
By consistently engaging with the media and emphasizing transparency, these policies have the potential to create the renewed Nigeria of our dreams.
Recommendations for Nigerians
1. Engage Constructively on Social Media – Instead of merely catching cruise, Nigerians should use social media to demand accountability, share constructive ideas, and counter misinformation.
2. Follow Credible Government Handles – This ensures that citizens get accurate updates directly from the source. Ministries of Finance, Health, Education, and Security agencies all maintain verified handles that can keep Nigerians informed.
3. Verify Before Sharing – As President Tinubu rightly said, “Verify before you amplify.” This simple rule can drastically reduce the spread of fake news.
4. Build Media Synergy – Nigerians should collaborate across regions and ethnic groups to raise unified voices on issues like unemployment, insecurity, and governance reforms.
5. Support Media Freedom – For the media to play its watchdog role, it must be free from censorship and harassment. Citizens must advocate for press freedom as part of democratic rights.
Conclusion
The role of media in the attainment of good governance in Nigeria cannot be overstated. It is the bridge between leaders and citizens, the watchdog of democracy, and the amplifier of public opinion. For Nigeria to experience the renewed future envisioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citizens must recognize that media is not just for entertainment but for empowerment.
As a nation, we must move from being passive consumers of information to being active shapers of narratives. We must verify before amplifying, stay informed to avoid deformation, and harness the transformative power of media to build synergy for accountability.
Indeed, adequate information births transformation. If Nigerians use media responsibly, follow credible sources, and engage constructively, then the vision of a renewed Nigeria will no longer be a distant dream but a lived reality.
Akingbohungbe writes from Ogun State
