Nigeria, UNDP Reaffirm Commitment to Democratic Governance in West Africa Through Regional Partnership.
By Caroline Ameh
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), has welcomed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, for a high-level strategic engagement focused on strengthening democratic governance across West Africa through the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD).
Held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, on Monday (today), the meeting served as a platform for both parties to review progress and reinforce their commitment to the RPD, a joint initiative between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP. The initiative is aimed at promoting inclusive, accountable, and resilient democratic systems in the West African sub-region.
Ambassador Tuggar underscored Nigeria’s leadership role within the African Union (AU) and reaffirmed the country’s dedication to advancing democratic values and institutional reform in the region. He highlighted the need to align national strategies with regional frameworks to ensure sustainable governance outcomes.
“Democracy cannot thrive without truth,” Tuggar said, stressing the danger posed by misinformation, disinformation, and the unchecked influence of social media. “When truth becomes blurred, democracy itself comes under threat. The institutions we often criticize for being weak are the very institutions we rely on to safeguard democracy. Strengthening them is not optional—it’s essential.”
He praised the efforts of the in-house technical working group of the RPD, delivery units, and the UNDP, noting the milestones achieved so far. Tuggar emphasized the importance of collective ownership in sustaining the initiative, calling on all stakeholders to remain committed to building robust governance systems that reflect local realities.
In her remarks, Ms. Attafuah expressed appreciation for the Nigerian government’s leadership and reiterated UNDP’s unwavering support for the RPD. She commended the collaborative efforts and emphasized the need for civic participation, noting that Africa’s civil society landscape has evolved uniquely due to factors like colonialism and structural bifurcations in governance.
“This partnership is not only timely but necessary,” she said. “The RPD offers a platform for context-specific, African-led responses to the region’s democratic challenges.”
Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD)is a flagship initiative under Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy, which prioritizes Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Diplomacy. Jointly initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNDP, the RPD aims to consolidate democratic progress across West Africa by empowering key institutions and promoting inclusive governance.
The initiative brings together governments, civil society, academia, youth networks, and development partners to design and implement reforms rooted in African values and democratic principles.
