Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are enhancing their commitment to bolster democracy in West Africa via the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), which is a strategic effort aimed at fostering inclusive, accountable, and resilient political structures throughout the region.
In a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, welcomed UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Elsie Attafuah to review progress and engage in strategic discussions as regarding the RPD initiative.
The meeting bolstered a collective determination to improve democratic governance and strengthen adaptive capacity in West Africa. It spotlighted the need of upholding the rule of law, ensuring the independence and efficacy of key democratic institutions, which includes the executive, legislature, judiciary, and electoral commissions, enhancing civic spaces to support inclusive and participatory governance. This creates a way for regional collaboration to solidify democratic advancements, encouraging peace and stability, and meet citizens’ demands for transparent, accountable, and responsive leadership.
Tuggar emphasised Nigeria’s distinct leadership role in the African Union (AU) in promoting regional governance reforms. He pointed out the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating effectively with UNDP and other stakeholders to align national strategies with regional frameworks aimed at getting results more transparent, and inclusive.
The RPD target to establish a platform for African-led, relevant responses to democratic issues. It amass governments, civil society, academic entities, media, and development partners to enhance and implement creative reforms based on African traditions and Democratic principles.
UNDP recapituled its aid for the RPD by providing technical assistance, enhancing institutional capacities, formulating research-based policy developments, and conducting monitoring and evaluation. Ms. Attafuah confirmed UNDP’s dedication to collaborating with the Nigerian government to expand the initiative’s influence across West Africa.
This program will be tested throughout West Africa, with Nigeria taking on a influential political leadership role in addition to fundamental in the operational aspects of designing, implementing, and sharing knowledge pertaining to the initiative.
This revitalised partnership presents a significant advancement in the RPD’s implementation phase and demonstrates Nigeria’s sustained dedication to prompting democratic resilience, the rule of law, and promoting inclusive governance throughout the West African sub- region.
