Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme signed the Regional Partnership for Democracy Programme on Monday in Abuja, aiming to strengthen democratic institutions across West Africa.

Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar announced on Monday: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announces the formal signing of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) Programme with UNDP Nigeria; a structured, multi-country initiative designed to strengthen democratic governance across West Africa.”

He continued: ‘“The signing of the RPD Programme marks the culmination of months of technical preparation and diplomatic engagement and signals the commencement of a strategic implementation phase aimed at deepening democracy across West Africa.”

The initiative focuses on bolstering institutional integrity, expanding civic engagement for marginalized groups, ensuring transparent elections, and promoting cross-border cooperation amid regional challenges like coups and protests.

The Minister Of Foreign Affairs described it as a homegrown solution to issues such as public distrust and shrinking civic spaces, developed through consultations with civil society and youth.

In his words: “For many years, our region has faced serious challenges; public distrust in institutions, contested electoral outcomes, shrinking civic spaces, and the sense among many citizens that democracy has not delivered as promised. These concerns are real, and they demand thoughtful, home-grown solutions that reflect who we are as West Africans.

“This is why the Regional Partnership for Democracy @RPDProgramme was developed: through months of consultation, technical work, regional dialogue, and direct engagement with civil society, youth networks, traditional authorities, academics, and the diplomatic community.”

Tuggar went on to list the advantages of the initiative: “The RPD will focus on:

1. Strengthening the integrity and resilience of our democratic institutions — parliaments, electoral bodies, judicial systems, and executives.

2. Deepening civic participation, especially among young people, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.

3. Supporting credible, transparent elections and protecting information integrity.

4. Building platforms for cooperation across West Africa so that Member States can learn from each other and solve challenges together.

“This is a long-term investment in trust, inclusion, and accountable leadership — values that sit at the heart of governance. The programme will directly support the achievement of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and will help rebuild confidence in democracy across our subregion.

“Nigeria is honoured to champion this effort. Our influence, democratic tradition, and longstanding commitment to peace and regional stability place a responsibility on us; and it is one we fully embrace.

“Democracy must deliver. And today, we commit to making that a reality for West Africans.” He affirmed.