Buhari: Peer review of Nigeria’s governance good for our democracy

President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration will continue to support the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) process in Nigeria because of its benefits to good governance and democracy.

Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, quoted Buhari as saying so in Abuja on Tuesday.

Buhari spoke at the launch of Nigeria second review country self-assessment report and flag off of the validation of the report at the six geo-political zones of the country, including the federal capital territory (FCT).

The APRM is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by AU member states as an African self monitoring mechanism.

Often described as “Africa’s unique and innovative approach to governance”, APRM has an objective of improving governance dynamics at the local, national and continental levels.

Describing the review as “timely and handy”, Buhari explained that the present administration with its change mantra agenda, has overhauled, revitalised and institutionalised its machinery for a successful conduct of the second peer review of the country.

The president said Nigeria has recorded success in the implementation of the national programme of action since its first peer review in 2008.

He noted that his administration is committed to the implementation of the new national programme of action that will emerge after the review process.

Buhari urged all stakeholders to come up with more vital strategies, mechanisms and measures that would enable diligent implementation of the new national programme of action.

“Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the African continent over the next 50 years with a strong mandate on NEPAD and APRM,” he said.

“This is in an attempt to build on and seek the acceleration of the implementation of past and present continental initiatives for the growth and sustainable development of the African Continent.

“This exercise will be a strong reference point in the nation’s history, a source of courage and positive drive for this initiative that is aimed at consolidating the strides of this present administration.

“In addition, this administration has been very supportive and will continue to support the APRM Process in Nigeria knowing the importance of the process which enhances transparency and good governance, strengthens our democracy, identifies and addresses critical challenges as well as promotes all-inclusiveness.”

In her remarks, Gloria Akobundu, national coordinator/chief executive officer of AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, commended Buhari’s support for the APRM and for consenting to the conduct of the second peer review of Nigeria.

“African Peer Review Mechanism is a mirror for Member States to encourage each other and build resilience to challenges and foster solutions to under development and promote good governance in the continent,” she said.

Akobdundu noted that after the validation of the country self-assessment report, there are other activities to be effectively accomplished to ensure effectual completion of the second peer review process.

She said the activities include; “The Issue Paper, New National Programme of Action, Presentation of the Report and Peer Review of Nigeria at the APR Forum of Heads of State and Government, Institutionalization of the Country Review Report (CRR), Launch of the Country Review Report (CRR) and Continuous Assessment of the Progress and Presentation of Progress Report to the AU-APRM.”

Present at the event were Abdoulie Janneh, the country self-assessment mission; Eddy Maloka, chief executive officer of AU-APRM secretariat, among others.