FG Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS

(L–R) The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, fnipr; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Deputy Senate President of Nigeria, Senator Jibrin Barau, CFR; Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Senator Sani Bello; and former Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Yusuf Tukur Buratai, during the Voice of Nigeria Forum 2026, held in Abuja. Photo: Khalid Ahmed/FMINO.

The Federal Government has renewed its pledge to strengthen democratic governance and sustain stability across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in the sub-region.

The assurance was given at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Forum 2026 held in Abuja, where policymakers, diplomats and experts gathered under the theme, “51 Years of Nigeria’s Role in Deepening Democratic Stability in ECOWAS,” to assess the country’s contributions to regional integration.

Addressing participants, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria’s consistent involvement in peacekeeping operations, mediation and support for democratic transitions reflects a deliberate and enduring policy direction.

He noted that Nigeria’s stability is closely tied to developments within the West African sub-region, stressing that peace and democratic order remain critical to economic growth and shared prosperity.

“Nigeria has remained at the forefront of promoting peace, democratic governance and regional integration across West Africa,” he said.

Idris acknowledged that the region continues to grapple with security challenges and political tensions, but maintained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on strengthening institutions and encouraging dialogue among member states.

He also cautioned against narratives that portray Nigeria as unstable, insisting that the country remains functional and on a recovery path despite existing challenges.

“We acknowledge the challenges, but Nigeria is stable, functional and on the path of recovery and growth,” he said.

The minister pointed to ongoing security reforms and coordinated operations, which he said have disrupted criminal activities and improved safety in several communities, while also citing easing inflation, increased investment flows and stronger external reserves as signs of economic progress.

Also speaking, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, said Nigeria has consistently committed resources to strengthening ECOWAS institutions since the bloc’s establishment in 1975.

He described the regional body as a product of foresight aimed at promoting collective security and economic cooperation, noting that democratic governance remains central to sustaining stability across West Africa.

According to him, legislative institutions play a vital role in ensuring accountability and upholding constitutional order, adding that Nigeria’s National Assembly will continue to support policies that advance regional cooperation.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, said the forum was convened at a critical time when democratic institutions in parts of the region are under strain.

He said Nigeria has remained a stabilising force through peace missions, diplomatic engagement and support for constitutional governance in member states.

Ndace noted that the platform offers an opportunity for stakeholders to examine emerging threats, including unconstitutional changes of government and declining public confidence in institutions, while exploring solutions to strengthen democracy.

He also highlighted the role of the media in shaping public discourse and countering misinformation, describing responsible journalism as key to sustaining democratic culture.

Participants agreed that preserving democratic stability in the ECOWAS region requires sustained collaboration among governments, civil society, the media and international partners, particularly in promoting transparency, inclusion and institutional reforms.

The renewed commitment comes amid shifting political dynamics in the Sahel, where Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have withdrawn from ECOWAS following prolonged disagreements with the bloc.

The three countries, now aligned under the Alliance of Sahel States, completed their exit in early 2025, raising fresh concerns about regional unity, security cooperation and the future of democratic governance in West Africa.

Observers at the forum said the development shows the urgency of renewed commitment to ECOWAS ideals and stronger collaboration among member states to safeguard democratic gains in the region.