Democracy Remains Bedrock Of Nigeria’s SDGs Progress, Says Orelope-Adefulire

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has said that Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic journey since 1999 has provided the foundation for the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Orelope-Adefulire noted that democratic governance has created the enabling environment necessary for advancing key development priorities, including poverty reduction, quality education, healthcare delivery, gender equality, economic growth and infrastructure development.

In a statement released on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen as Nigerians marked the 2026 Democracy Day, the presidential aide described the nation’s 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule as a significant achievement worthy of celebration.

She said democracy and sustainable development are inseparable, stressing that inclusive governance, accountability, transparency, citizen participation and respect for the rule of law remain essential ingredients for the successful implementation of the SDGs.

According to her, the gains recorded across various sectors of the economy over the years have been made possible by the stability and continuity provided by democratic institutions.

“Democracy provides the platform upon which sustainable development thrives. The Sustainable Development Goals can only be effectively achieved in an atmosphere where citizens participate in governance, institutions are strengthened, and development policies are implemented with continuity and accountability,” she stated.

Orelope-Adefulire congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former leaders, democratic institutions and Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, commending citizens for their resilience and commitment to preserving democratic governance since the country’s return to civilian rule in 1999.

She further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration aligns with the aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding social protection, strengthening infrastructure, promoting food security and creating opportunities for young people and women.

The SSAP-SDGs urged Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions, embrace peaceful dialogue and actively participate in nation-building, noting that the achievement of the SDGs requires collective action from government, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) to accelerating the implementation of the SDGs across the country and ensuring that the dividends of democracy translate into tangible improvements in the lives of all Nigerians.

Orelope-Adefulire expressed optimism that with sustained democratic stability, responsible leadership and active citizen participation, Nigeria would continue to make significant progress towards achieving the SDGs and building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future.