FG, UNDP Partners to Fortify Democratic Governance in West Africa

By Muhammad Muntazar

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has, on Monday, held a high-level briefing with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, which aimed at advancing democratic governance across West Africa through the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD).

UNDP stressed it committment to work with the Nigeria to facilitate effective implementation of Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) across West Africa.

According to the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP’s support and partnership with Nigeria for effective implementation of the RPD is necessary and timely.

She added that RPD provided the platform for context-specific and African-led responses to the region’s democratic challenges as a homegrown initiative.

“UNDP will support the RDP programme implementation through provisions of technical assistance, strengthening of institutional capacity, research-informed policy development and monitoring and evaluation.

“This is a value-based commitment to strengthen our democratic culture, build civic trust and enhance delivery in public institutions. Our objective is to strengthen the governance systems.

“We are hoping for business growth and to showcase this initiative, which is good, practical and people centered,” Attafuah said.

On his part, Tuggar highlighted the need to align national strategies with regional frameworks, which would ensure sustainable governance outcomes and tackle challenges faced in the sub-region and Africa at large.

The minister described RDP as a flagship expression of Nigeria’s commitment to prioritising promotion of democratic values, constitutional order and Rule of Law in the region.