Nigeria, UNDP partner to strengthen democracy in West Africa Region
Abuja (Core Reporters) Nigeria Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday, November 17, signed a Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) programme, a mechanism designed to strengthen democratic governance across West Africa states
Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar signed on behalf of the Federal Government, while the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah signed for the UN agency.
In his opening speech, Amb. Tugar explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening democratic governance through inclusive regional integration. Saying that the initiative will address challenges like eroding public trust, disputed elections, and shrinking civic freedoms through African-led strategies.
Tugar emphasized on the core elements which include bolstering electoral bodies, early-warning systems against unconstitutional changes, empowering youth and civil society, and combating election misinformation.
He noted that the RPD would build platforms for cooperation across West Africa so member states can learn from each other and solve challenges together.
According to him, the initiative is a long-term investment in trust, inclusion, and accountable leadership — values that sit at the heart of governance.
He said that the programme would directly support the achievement of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and will help rebuild confidence in democracy across our subregion.
“Nigeria is honoured to champion this effort. Our influence, democratic tradition, and longstanding commitment to peace and regional stability place a responsibility on us; and it is one we fully embrace.
Tuggar, further expressed appreciation to the UN’s Office in Nigeria partnership, technical guidance and abiding confidence on Nigeria’s leadership
He said RPD was home-grown, yet globally informed mechanism and African solution to African challenge.
According to him, amidst efforts embodied in mechanisms, such as the African Union’s Peer Review Mechanism, and other numerous national reforms, democracy in several parts of Africa continued to face obstacles.
The Minister said RPD seeks to, not only strengthen electoral institutions, deploy early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms against unconstitutional transitions, but also, elevate youth and civil society as indispensable democratic actors, counter disinformation and lay the foundations for long-term governance stability.
Amb. Tuggar further stated that the RPD offers a credible, politically viable and technically sound platform for reversing democratic backsliding and restoring institutional legitimacy.
“It is a home-grown, yet globally informed, mechanism. Simply, an African solution to an African challenge!”
On her part, the Resident representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah said the launching of RPD signaled that Nigeria is not only shaping the regional democratic landscape but also charting a path for Africa-led, Africa-owned transformation.
She said RPD is not merely a programme, but a compact of values. “It is Africa-led, regionally anchored, and globally significant, grounded in our belief that the answers to Africa’s governance challenges lies within Africa itself”.
Ms. Attafuah said RPD will strengthen democratic institutions and public accountability, broaden inclusive citizen participation, (especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities), promote credible and transparent electoral systems and foster regional cooperation and peer learning so that democracy delivers for the people of West Africa.
According to her, the RPD is designed to serve as a catalyst platform, transforming democratic ideals into practical tools, strengthening systems that deliver, and building confidence among citizens that governance can be inclusive, can be predictable, and can be just.
On his part, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray. said the RPD initiative is committed to accompanying member states in advancing democracy, good governance, development, and the Rule of Law across Africa with the West African Regional Hub domiciled in Nigeria.
Touray was represented by ECOWAS Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah.
“It is being launched when the social contract between the state and the citizenry is unravelling at the seams, because democracy as practised in Africa and in our sub-region is notoriously thin.
“This is in terms of delivering on dividends, basic infrastructure, and social safety net for the vulnerable, not to talk about safety and security.
“The ECOWAS Commission, therefore, sees this initiative, which is aimed at promoting inclusive, accountable, and resilient political systems across the region as laudable, as it has the potential to contribute to regional efforts in protecting democratic governance,” Touray said.
