“Nigeria a Beacon of Hope for West Africa” – Minister Tuggar Declares on Democracy Day
“Nigeria a Beacon of Hope for West Africa” – Minister Tuggar Declares on Democracy Day
By: Jerry Adesewo
As Nigeria marked its Democracy Day celebration, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described Nigeria’s democratic resilience as a model for West African stability, asserting that the country’s continued adherence to democratic norms offers hope for a region plagued by political upheaval.
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In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by his Special Assistant, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar emphasized that Nigeria’s consistent electoral processes, peaceful transitions, and constitutional governance have positioned it as a stabilising force amid a surge of unconstitutional takeovers across West Africa.
“Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope and stability in the region,” Tuggar said. “Our democratic institutions may not be perfect, but they remain resilient. In a time when democracy is under assault in parts of West Africa, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate that the rule of law, electoral accountability, and civic participation are essential pillars for long-term peace and development.”
The Minister’s statement comes against the backdrop of recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger, which have tested the unity and diplomatic strength of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional diplomacy, stating that democratic governance must remain at the heart of ECOWAS’ peace and security strategies.
“Nigeria’s leadership is critical to regional order,” said one foreign affairs analyst. “It’s not just about our population and economy—it’s the example we set that matters.”
Tuggar also reflected on Nigeria’s historical role in defending democracy across the continent, citing the country’s peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as its leadership in recent ECOWAS engagements to restore civilian rule.
“Democracy is not just an internal affair,” he added. “It is our strategic contribution to regional peace. Our progress strengthens the African democratic project as a whole.”
In addition to his regional reflections, the Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at achieving economic recovery and political stability. He expressed optimism that these efforts would lay the foundation for “a future of shared prosperity.”
The message underlines Nigeria’s position not only as a key regional actor but also as a nation striving to lead by example—advancing the principles of democracy at home and across borders.
“Nigeria a Beacon of Hope for West Africa” – Minister Tuggar Declares on Democracy Day