EU launches over N11bn programme in support of democratic governance in Nigeria
- The European Union has e-affirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process
- The EU on Thursday, February 1, launched a programme aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the country
- Its objective is to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria
The European Union on Thursday, February 1, re-affirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electoral process with the launch of a programme aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the country.
The programme tagged EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), is a €26.5 million (over N11 billion) initiative.
Legit.ng gathered that the initiative is funded under the 11th European Development Programme (EDF), over a five year period.
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The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions. Inclusive, participatory and transparent elections are a pre-requisite for a strong democracy.
“Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.
“The European Union 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, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties and candidates, from media to civil society,” said Ambassador. Ketil Karlsen, Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
The project will be anchored in the priorities identified by the Nigerian government. It also builds on the recommendations of the European Union Election Observation Mission made after the 2015 general elections as well as those of the EU expert Identification and Formulation Mission to Nigeria.
More specifically, it will focus on five thematic areas of support:
1. Improved quality of electoral administration in Nigeria
2. Effective discharge of legislative function in compliance with democratic principles and standards
3. Enhanced pluralism, tolerance, internal democracy and equality of opportunity of political parties and the political party system;
4. Fair, accurate and ethical coverage of the electoral process by the media, including radio and social media and
5. Women, youths and marginalized citizens; Civil Society Organisations and other relevant agencies contributing to enhance the electoral process.
The programme is to be implemented by ten partners, including; The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Institute of Media and Society (IMS), International Press Centre (IPC), BBC Media Action, Albino Foundation, Cleen Foundation and the Westminster Foundation For Democracy.
Speaking to Legit.ng on the sidelines of the event, the Executive Director of YIAGA, Samson Itodo, highlights the importance of the initiative for young people in Nigeria.
His words: “For young people, this concerns the whole advocacy about youth inclusion. It's Ready to Run, the project will be supporting young people who are interested in running for office, building their capacities, promoting them and ensuring that we situate them in positions where they can win elections.
“Also, for the first time, this project is supporting youth responsive budgeting, we are going to be building a body of knowledge around youth responsive budgeting - how national budgeting can respond to the needs of young people because of the immediacy that is required in addressing youth issues."
The programme is expected to last for five years.
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Recently, YIAGA's Centre for Legislative Engagement undertook an analysis of the 2018 Appropriation bill from a youth perspective. Their findings show that the Nigerian government has not done enough to address the challenges faced by youths in the country.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, January 30, the executive director of YIAGA, Samson Itodo, lamented that the budgets, especially that of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport Development and most government agencies did not apply the principles of good budgeting like adequacy, equity, transparency and efficient allocation of resources.
According to him, the budget as proposed by most of the agencies and the ministry are unrealistic given the magnitude of the youth demography and challenges youth face in Nigeria.
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Source: Legit.ng
