By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and pledged Nigeria’s commitment to it because it engenders good governance and democracy.
He gave the assurance in Abuja at the launch of Nigeria Second Review Country Self-Assessment Report and flag off of the validation of the report at the six zones of the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The review is ‘‘timely and handy’’ he said, explaining that his administration – with its change agenda – has overhauled, revitalised, and institutionalised machinery to conduct Nigeria’s second peer review.
Buhari recalled that the country was first peer reviewed in 2008 and since then has recorded success in the implementation of the recommended National Programme of Action (NPA).
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the implementation of the new NPA that will come up after the review process.
Said he: ‘‘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.
‘‘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.”
Stakeholders to devise implementation strategies
Buhari urged all stakeholders to devise vital strategies, mechanisms, and measures that would facilitate implementation of the new NPA for accelerated economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.
AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Akobundu, thanked him for his “transparency, courageous leadership” and for consenting to 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 stressed.
After the Validation of the Country Self-Assessment Report, she added, there are other activities to complete the Second Peer Review Process.
‘‘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, Institutionalsation 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.”
Akobundu pledged that the agency will ensure a smooth process.
Others who attended the event included the Country Self-Assessment Mission led by Abdoulie Janneh of The Gambia, former UN Economic Commission for Africa Executive Secretary; and AU-APRM Secretariat Chief Executive Officer, Eddy Maloka.
