The National Assembly has commended the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for its significant contributions to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Kenneth Eze, commended FCDO’s efforts at a lessons learning and dissemination event for FCDO’s partners, stakeholders and programme beneficiaries on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is to reflect on the contributions of FCDO to Nigeria’s democracy
Akpabio acknowledged the invaluable role of organisations funded by FCDO, including Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yiaga Africa, and Stakeholder Democracy Network, in promoting democratic ethos and sound governance practices.
He expressed gratitude for their unwavering commitment to fair elections, transparency, and democratic structures.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas reiterated the parliament’s determination to reform the judiciary and grant full autonomy to local government areas.
Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, lauded FCDO’s instrumental role in advancing democracy and governance in Nigeria.
Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy Legal and Advocacy Centre (PLAC), noted that FCDO’s investments have yielded positive outcomes, including 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
Nwankwo emphasised the need to continue strengthening citizens, civil society organisations, and civic groups to ensure democracy endured.
The event, themed “From PERL to PACE: Learning to Sustain Democratic Governance in Nigeria,” highlighted FCDO’s funded programme, Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) initiative, which has supported Nigeria’s democratic journey over the last three years.
