The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have jointly launched the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD); a strategic, multi-year initiative designed to strengthen democratic governance, rebuild public trust, and enhance institutional resilience across West Africa.
The programme, co-created under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR during his tenure as Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government (2023–2025), reflects Nigeria’s commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and inclusive development through democratic renewal.
The official signing ceremony, held at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, marks a pivotal milestone in regional efforts to address the pressing governance challenges confronting the subregion. The RPD Programme is a strategic and forward-looking initiative crafted to confront the deepening democratic and governance challenges across West Africa.
Through focused support to Member States, the programme aims to restore public confidence in state institutions, strengthen participatory and accountable governance, and cultivate leadership that is transparent, responsive, and grounded in democratic norms. By harnessing collaborative partnerships and coordinated regional action, the RPD seeks to reinforce democratic resilience and drive institutional renewal across West Africa. This reflects a shared commitment by Nigeria, UNDP, and West African Member States to build institutions that are accountable, transparent, and citizen centred.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, H.E Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in advancing democratic renewal across the continent. The Honorable Minister stated that, “The Regional Partnership for Democracy is about restoring confidence in governance and proving that democracy can deliver. This initiative provides a platform for Africa to define and defend its democratic values, anchored on inclusion, participation and good governance.” He further added, “Nigeria is proud to lead this regional collaboration that not only strengthens institutions but ensures that democracy reflects the voices and aspirations of our people.”
The RPD will be implemented over five years (2025–2030), serving as a platform for peer learning, policy reform, and regional collaboration across Member States. It will also align with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Policy Strategy – Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, lauded the partnership as a forward-looking step toward rebuilding democratic legitimacy and governance innovation across West Africa. Ms. Attafuah stated that, “The Regional Partnership for Democracy is more than a programme – it is a movement for democratic renewal. It reaffirms that the answers to Africa’s governance challenges lie within our own region, in the courage of our citizens, and in the integrity of our institutions. UNDP is proud to partner with Nigeria and ECOWAS to make democracy deliver for the people of West Africa.”
Through this partnership, Nigeria and UNDP will collaborate with regional institutions, including ECOWAS, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), to support democratic reforms, civic engagement, and regional policy harmonisation.
This landmark initiative represents a renewed continental effort to make democracy in West Africa both resilient and responsive; anchored in African values, sustained by African leadership, and delivering results for African citizens.