Nigeria Pushes Preventive Democracy Drive, Urges Stronger Institutions Across Africa
At a time when democratic ideals remain popular but public trust is thinning, Nigeria has called for a shift from crisis response to early action in safeguarding democracy across Africa.
Speaking in Addis Ababa at a High-Level Ministerial Forum on Regional Partnership for Democracy, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, said democracy on the continent must “command trust through delivery”, warning that governance deficits and weak institutions are eroding public confidence.
He highlighted Nigeria’s Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), launched with the UN Development Programme in November 2025, as a preventive platform designed to strengthen democratic systems before breakdown occurs.
According to him, the initiative has attracted growing interest from African states and development partners, with Nigeria open to wider collaboration.
Tuggar noted that threats to democracy in West Africa are not limited to military takeovers but also stem from weakened institutions, poor accountability and exclusionary politics.
He stressed that legitimacy must be rooted in local ownership, with credible electoral bodies, independent judiciaries and accountable legislatures.
The minister outlined three priorities: strengthening democratic institutions, aligning governance with real socio-economic benefits for citizens, and expanding inclusive participation, particularly for youth and women.
He also urged stronger coordination with regional bodies to sustain democratic support efforts.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, Tuggar said Africa’s democracy would be best protected through prevention, partnership and public trust, rather than reaction after crises erupt.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
