By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to working closely with strategic partners to strengthen democratic governance as a foundation for sustainable national development and inclusive economic growth.
This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during the National Convening and Report Launch on Strengthening the Nexus between Democracy and Economic Development in Nigeria, held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Abuja.
Akume, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated that the Federal Government remains open to constructive and evidence-driven engagement with stakeholders to deepen democratic governance and drive economic growth.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chris Ugwuegbulam, the SGF emphasised that the government will continue to collaborate with the National Assembly, sub-national governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen democratic institutions and governance processes.
He noted that building and sustaining public confidence in democratic institutions is critical to national progress. Akume explained that this could be achieved through transparency in governance, credible electoral systems, effective dispute resolution mechanisms and a legislative environment that promotes oversight and representation for all citizens.
The SGF added that strengthening these pillars of democracy would not only improve governance outcomes but also encourage deeper collaboration with development partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
In his remarks at the event, former President and Chairman of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, stressed the importance of freedom and justice as fundamental elements required for democracy to thrive.
Jonathan urged governments at all levels to ensure that these values are entrenched within the democratic process in order to promote economic development and national stability.
The event also featured the formal unveiling of a report titled The Democracy Dividend: Governance and Growth. Presenting the report, the Executive Director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, Ann Iyonu, highlighted 10 key policy imperatives designed to catalyse national growth and development.
She explained that the recommendations focus on areas such as fiscal discipline, digitised procurement systems and improved transparency in democratic processes.
Iyonu therefore called on policymakers, legislators, civil society organisations and development partners to actively engage with the report’s findings and translate its evidence-based recommendations into practical policy actions that will strengthen governance and accelerate Nigeria’s development trajectory.
