The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nigeria, says it’s committed to working with Nigeria for effective implementation of Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) across the West African sub region.
UNDP Resident Representative, Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah stated this during a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.in Abuja ,on the RPD programme.
Attafuah restated the UNDP’s support for effective implementation of the RPD, adding that the partnership was not only timely but necessary.
She said that RPD provided the platform for context-specific and African-led responses to the region’s democratic challenges as a homegrown initiative, adding that the UNDP will support the RDP programme implementation through provision of technical assistance, strengthening of institutional capacity, research-informed policy development, and monitoring and evaluation.
Attafuah also expressed support for Nigeria’s initiative to promote the creative industry, citing its significant contribution to the country’s GDP and job creation.
Attafuah emphasised the link between the creative industry and the country’s development agenda, particularly in addressing demographic challenges.
At the meeting, Tuggar underscored the need to align national strategies with regional frameworks.
He said it would ensure sustainable governance outcomes and tackle challenges faced in the sub-region and Africa at large.
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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.
He said this is essential in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive civic participation and evolution of civil society in Africa, different from others. “It will foster a resilient governance system that reflects current realities and bolster the in-house technical working group, to achieve more.”
RPD is a strategic initiative jointly established by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UNDP to foster democratic consolidation and strengthen governance systems across the West African sub-region
AIT online Correspondent reports that UNDP is the UN’s lead Agency on international development, working in over 170 countries and territories to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilient institutions.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
