Nigeria and UNDP Launch Historic Regional Partnership for
Democracy (RPD) Programme to Strengthen Governance Across West Africa.
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.
It is a culmination of 20 months of design, technical work, and regional engagement – including 4 major stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.
To strengthen institutions, expand citizen participation, and advance a democratic future for over 430 million West Africans.
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.
