By Ameh Gabriel
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maitama Tuggar, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting home-grown democracy across West Africa through the Regional Partnership for Development (RPD). He disclosed this during the ongoing RPD Stakeholder Engagement with Resident Ambassadors in Nigeria, emphasizing that the initiative aims to strengthen democratic institutions and constitutional governance across the region.
Speaking at the event, Tuggar highlighted the essence of the RPD as a platform for reinforcing democracy by working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and international partners to establish resilient democratic structures. He stressed that the vision is to foster an African-driven model of democracy one that is not imported but deeply rooted in local values and community-driven principles.
“We want democracy itself to be understood as something home-grown our own version of democracy in Africa, in West Africa, in our region—not something foreign or alien that is being imposed here,” Tuggar said.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s leadership in the RPD reflects President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to regional stability and democratic growth. He added that the RPD is open to partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, inviting ambassadors and global representatives to join the vision for sustainable development.
“We are not claiming ownership of the program. We created it, and we are inviting everyone to come and partner with us. It is in line with the vision and aspirations of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he added.
Global Partnership and UNDP Support
The event also featured remarks from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, who expressed pride in collaborating with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the RPD initiative.
Attafuah commended the RPD for its forward-looking approach in strengthening democratic integrity, expanding citizen engagement, and supporting marginalized groups. She described it as “a model for meaningful national-international collaboration, rooted in trust, shared values, and a commitment to regional transformation from within.”
According to her, despite pressures on the democratic landscape across West Africa, the RPD remains a beacon of hope, leveraging community resilience, innovation, and strong leadership to drive positive change.
Strategic Focus, Not Reactionary Experts Say
During their presentations, Mr. Dapo Oyewole, Professor Kamaludeen, and Hon. Simi Fajemirokun-Ajayi noted that the RPD is not merely a reaction to recent political shifts but a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing long-standing commitments to democratic principles in West Africa.
They emphasized that the program seeks to address the gaps in governance by fostering regional stability, peace, and a better understanding of democracy among citizens. Tuggar expressed optimism that the RPD would yield lasting positive outcomes for the region, advancing peace and stability through strengthened democratic institutions.
Categories: Politics, Governance, Democracy, International Relations, West Africa
Tags: #RPD #HomeGrownDemocracy #MaitamaTuggar #WestAfrica #DemocraticInstitutions #Nigeria #ForeignAffairs #UNDP #RegionalStability
