AU/NEPAD says ongoing 2nd review will strengthen nation’s governance

By Paul Efiong, Abuja

The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa`s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), has begun its second review processes to assess the nation`s government to strengthen democracy, economic management, socio-economic development and corporate governances.
Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator of AUDA-NEPAD made this known at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, to sensitise Nigerians on African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) agenda for the country.
According to Akobundu, APRM is a self-monitoring mechanism to which AU member states have acceded to facilitate the adoption of policies, standards and political stability, higher economic growth and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic growth integration.
“Basically, APRM seeks to promote good governance as endorsed by the NEPAD declaration of democracy, political, economic and corporate governance adopted by AU member states in July 2002, as well as the APRM memorandum of understanding in March 2003.
“The core principles that fortify the APRM review process include the demonstrable commitment of the political leadership of the highest level for good governance among others, “ she said.
She, however, explained that the APRM review had assessment of the progress made in governance and socio-economic development of member states in the period since the first review process as its objective.
Also, Sen. Abba Ali, Chairman of the National Governing Council APRM, expressed appreciation to the President Mohammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership over the approval for the establishment of the APRM National Structure in Nigeria.
Ali highlighted on the benefits of the review, saying it would identify deficiencies while reinforcing best practices and assessing capacity development needed in Nigeria.
“As you all aware, in committing member states in implementing the UN-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AU- Agenda 2063, APRM was designed as a flagship programme of AUDA-NEPAD for effective implementation of the its Mandates.
“The Review will also help the citizens to know where we are and where we want to be in terms of Governance for sustainable development.
“APRM will also help to achieve a proper statistics of governance in Nigeria and set road map of implementation called the National Programme of Action (NPoA), strengthen partnership /collaboration for economic growth and development among others, “ he said.
It is recalls that AU/NEPAD is an Agency established and mandated to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of continental and regional priority programmes and projects in Africa.