Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria marked its 15th anniversary in Lagos with a strong message: active citizen engagement remains Nigeria’s most potent driver of accountability, democratic growth, and long-term economic stability.
The event, themed “Footprints and Frontlines,” brought together leaders from civil society, business, faith, policy, and the creative sector to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the cost of citizen apathy. Speakers included WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi, GTCO co-founder Fola Adeola, Bishop Matthew Kukah, tech pioneer Omobola Johnson, and artist-entrepreneur MI Abaga.
As part of the celebration, EiE premiered One Voice, Many Echoes, a short film tracing three landmark moments of civic resistance: the 1993 post-election protests, the 2010 Enough Is Enough marches, and the 2020 #EndSARS movement. The organisation also unveiled an updated edition of its book, Footprints: Past. Present. Future, documenting Nigeria’s evolving civic landscape and the growing role of youth-led activism.
The discussions underscored a persistent reality: citizens have often filled accountability gaps where institutions have failed. Nigeria currently scores 26/100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, reflecting deep governance challenges despite over two decades of democratic rule.
With more than 70 per cent of Nigerians under 30, EiE stressed that youth participation is no longer optional. Although about 64 per cent of Nigerians prefer democracy, voter turnout in the 2023 elections fell below 30 per cent, highlighting a gap between belief and action. Dr Okonjo-Iweala noted that Nigeria’s demographic strength only becomes powerful when young people are organised, informed, and engaged.
Over the past 15 years, EiE has focused on turning public frustration into structured action through voter education, election monitoring, digital advocacy, and citizen-led accountability initiatives. These efforts are increasingly critical in a country where surveys show nearly 80 per cent of Nigerians believe corruption has worsened, and most local councils face high corruption risks.
Opeyemi Adamolekun, outgoing Executive Director, emphasised that democracy goes beyond elections. “Citizens employ public officials,” she said, “and accountability changes the balance of power when people understand their rights and responsibilities.”
Looking ahead, EiE announced 26-year-old Ufuoma Nnamdi-Udeh as its incoming Executive Director from January 2026, signalling a renewed focus on youth leadership and digital mobilisation.
At 15, EiE’s message is clear: when citizens participate consistently, institutions respond, and when accountability improves, democracy and the economy both benefit.
