PSDdF to Launch National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening
Wale Igbintade
The Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDdF) will in September launch the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening (NADS) to commemorate the International Day of Democracy, marking a significant step towards strengthening democracy in Nigeria
In addition to demonstrating the Forum’s commitment to advancing a more inclusive democracy with private sector participation, the launch will serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to implement the agenda’s recommendations.
According to the Chairman, PSDdF Steering Committee, Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson, SAN, the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening is a recognition of the crucial role and responsibility of the private sector in promoting stable democracy.
He said the NADS would present recommendations for enhancing Nigeria’s democratic landscape to foster innovation, fair competition, economic stability, and growth.
“By bringing together members of the Forum to invest in the pillars of inclusive democracy for all Nigerians we can help to sustain national development and progress” he added.
Also, Margaret Olele, CEO of the American Business Council noted that data-driven dialogue and strategic collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and policymakers remain critical in strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
She said: “As the present administration celebrates its first anniversary, she reaffirms PSDdF’s dedication to creating a platform for businesses to play an active role in protecting democratic values, freedoms, and institutions to support sustainable and profitable business environments”
A statement from the Forum stated that the NADS, currently in its drafting stage, is focused on four priority areas – strengthening democratic institutions like the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies; empowering government officials and citizens through capacity building and civic education.
It’s also seeks to promote private sector integrity, accountability, and resilience against corruption; and minimizing inequality and promoting equitable wealth distribution through land tenure reforms.
PSDdF added that the choice of the priority areas hinged on the potential catalytic effect to positively impact other democratic concerns and the subsequent effect on Nigeria’s economy.
The statement reads “The PSDdF is developing the NADS through a comprehensive methodology that includes a rigorous process of contributions and validations from members and the steering committee.
Members of the PSDdF span across private sector organizations, civil society organizations, think tanks, media and academia including Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN); Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR); Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Accountability Lab; BudgIT; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW); School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University -Coalition of Journalists for Social Change (SMC-CNJ); BusinessDay Media Foundation; Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities; Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University and National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
PSDdF, an initiative by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the American Business Council Nigeria (ABC Nigeria), is a coalition of private sector organizations, civil society organizations, think tanks, and media partners committed to perfecting Nigeria’s democratic systems and strengthening institutions that support the rule of law thereby contributing to a sustainable and thriving business environment in Nigeria.
