Nigeria Daily

More than two decades into Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, democracy has endured but remains deeply questioned, as its promise of safety, prosperity, and stability is still contested. 

At the Daily Trust Annual Dialogue, speakers examined what is working and what is not, with insecurity emerging as the most pressing concern, from banditry and kidnapping to unsafe roads and mass displacement. 

On today’s Nigeria Daily, we explore Nigeria’s Fourth Republic through the lens of insecurity, asking what has gone wrong, who bears responsibility, and what can realistically be done to change the story.

Banking in Nigeria was once defined almost entirely by interest — how much borrowers paid, and how much savers earned.

But since the return to democracy in 1999, that familiar system has been quietly challenged.

Banks that promise profit… without interest.

What was once dismissed as controversial, unrealistic, or even dangerous to the financial system has steadily grown into a recognised part of Nigeria’s economy.

Today, from Abuja to Kano, Lagos to Maiduguri, non-interest banks are financing businesses, supporting farmers and traders, and funding major projects.

On Nigeria Daily, we examine how non-interest banking rose during Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, the struggles behind its acceptance, and what this shift means for how Nigerians think about money, risk, and opportunity.

On May 29, 1999, Nigeria witnessed a historic transfer of power as General Abdulsalami Abubakar formally handed over leadership to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, ending more than 15 years of continuous military rule.

The moment marked the return of civilian government and the birth of the Fourth Republic, raising widespread hopes for democracy, freedom, and better governance.

On Nigeria Daily, we revisit that defining day, hear from Nigerians who witnessed the transition firsthand, and examine how far the country has come since power moved from the barracks to the ballot box.

Since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, the Fourth Republic has promised inclusion, representation and opportunity for all citizens.

But for many years, young Nigerians remained spectators in a political system dominated by older leaders.

The signing of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018 marked a turning point, lowering age limits and giving young people a legal pathway into leadership.

On Nigeria Daily, we examine how this law has reshaped youth participation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, the challenges young politicians still face, and whether Nigeria’s democracy is truly opening its doors to the next generation.

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was designed to strengthen democracy after military rule, but over time godfatherism became deeply embedded in the political system.

 
Across states such as Kano, Rivers, Edo, Kwara, and Kogi, powerful political figures sponsored successors only for relationships to collapse into bitter rivalries once power changed hands. 

As part of preparations for this year’s Daily Trust Annual Dialogue, today’s episode of Nigeria Daily examines some of the great fallouts of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

In 2015, Nigeria witnessed a rare democratic moment when President Goodluck Jonathan called his opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, to concede defeat after the presidential election. 

That simple phone call calmed a tense nation and sent a powerful message about leadership and peaceful transitions across Nigeria and beyond. 

On Nigeria Daily, under our Some Heroic Moments series marking this year’s Daily Trust Annual Dialogue, we reflect on that call, how Nigerians received it, and what it means for Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Sixty years after his assassination, the name of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, still commands deep respect across Nigeria.

From education and governance to unity and institution-building, his generation of leaders laid foundations that continue to shape the country.

On Nigeria Daily, we examine why these forefathers remain unforgettable, hear from those who knew them personally, and ask what today’s leaders can learn from their legacy.

Nigeria began its Fourth Republic in 1999 with a fragile economy and severely weakened infrastructure after years of military rule.

Power supply was unreliable, roads and railways were in poor condition, and the country depended largely on crude oil exports for revenue.

More than two decades later, Nigeria’s economy is larger, new infrastructure projects have emerged, and sectors such as telecommunications and digital services have expanded.

Yet, high inflation, unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure gaps continue to affect millions of citizens.

On this episode of Nigeria Daily, we examine the state of Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure in 1999 compared with today, the indicators of progress, the challenges that remain, and what the future may hold for Africa’s most populous nation.

Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 after years of military governance, with an election that symbolised hope, national rebirth, and the promise of democratic stability.

More than two decades later, the country has conducted several general elections, introduced new technologies, expanded voter registration, and witnessed intense political competition.

Yet, voter turnout has declined, public trust has weakened, and questions about credibility continue to trail the process.

On this episode of Nigeria Daily, we examine how Nigeria’s elections have changed since 1999, what progress has been made, what challenges remain, and what these shifts mean for the future of the country’s democracy.

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began on May 29, 1999, marking the end of military rule and the return to democratic governance with new political parties, promises, and expectations.

Parties like the PDP, AD, and APP emerged with manifestoes focused on unity, reform, and development, shaping the country’s first civilian election in years.

To mark this year’s Daily Trust Annual Dialogue, we are going to present a series of programmes on the theme “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: What is Working and What is Not?

And today, we are going to look at the first political parties of the Fourth Republic.