EU earmarks €39 million to support democratic governance in Nigeria
By Linus Aleke
The European Union has earmarked thirty nine million euros (€39 million), to support democratic governance in Nigeria.
The programme tagged EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Phase II, will be launched
on Monday September 12, as part of its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process.
A statement signed by Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, noted that the programme is aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the country.
He said the programme is funded under the EU’s Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument, over a five-year period.
The overall objective of the EU-SDGN, Mr. Chukwulaka said is to foster a functioning pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria.
He added that inclusive, participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a strong democracy.
Ms. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS
said ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows her to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.
She noted that the European Union will continues to partner with Nigeria in the on-going reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections and with ample participation of all Nigerians.
For this to happen, Ambassador Isopi said,
all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from media to civil society.
According to the statement, “The project will be anchored in the priorities identified by the Nigerian government. It also, builds on the lessons learned from the implementation of phase I of the programme (2017-2022), and the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission made after the 2019 General Election as well as those of the EU Election Follow-up Mission to Nigeria. More specifically, it will focus on six thematic areas of support: Improve the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria;
strengthen capacities for legislative and judicial reform in compliance with democratic principles and standards,and enhance Pluralism, internal democracy and equality of opportunity in the political parties and the political party system.
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“Others include, empower Media, including new media to promote fair and ethical coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech and disinformation, enhance participation of women, youth and other marginalized groups in the political process, and empower civil society organisations and relevant agencies to demand greater transparency and accountability in the electoral and decision making process, as well as promote greater citizens’ participation”.
