APRM Nigeria 2nd Peer Review: President Buhari Approves Report, Ready For Validation

Following the Presentation of Country Self-Assessment Report (CSAR) of Nigeria’s Second Peer Review Process by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during its weekly Meeting on 23rd June, 2021,  President Muhammadu Buhari approved the Report, now ready for validation by the Country Review Mission (CRM) of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a voluntary self-assessment instrument of African Union to deepen Good Governance and Development.

In a statement signed by Media Assistant to NC/CEO,AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria Abolade Ogundimu on Friday in Abuja said that National Governing Council, led by the Chairman, Senator Abba Ali, accompanied by Princess Gloria Akobundu, Secretary of the Council and CEO, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria; Dr. Louis Mandama, and Prince Ugo Beke, Members of NGC, presented the CSAR while  Dr. A. A. Karim, Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at National Institute For Security Studies, Abuja, the Institute that carried out domestic Review of the Report was also in attendance. 

Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism (AUDA-NEPAD/APRM) Nigeria, lauded President Buhari for his unwavering support to the Process, adding that once again the President had demonstrated through his approval of the report, his strong commitment and believe in the Review Process.

According to Akobundu, given the President’s commitment to the Review, recommendations of the Report will get Federal Government’s attention. 

“President Buhari approved the conduct of Nigeria’s Second Review, 11 years after First Review. He ensured that the necessary structures were put in place including the inauguration of the National Governing Council Members, drivers of the Process.

“The NGC and the National Secretariat keying into the President’s passion for the process, ensured rapid and careful implementation, even amid COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thank God for the cooperation and support of stakeholders across every sector of the economy and National life.

“We highly appreciate APRM Continental for its guidance and cooperation towards the success of the exercise,” she said.

On 24th June,2021, Akobundu along with,  Dr. Mandama, Prince Beke and Dr. Karim, as well as Mrs. Adefunke Adimula, Director,  APRM Department in the Agency  visited Hon Prince Clem Agba, Hon Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, as follow up to SGF’s  Presentation of Country Self-Assessment Report (CSAR) of the Second Peer Review of Nigeria to the  Federal Executive Council.

Nigeria’s Second CSAR is a product of meticulous process started in 2019 as part of President Buhari ‘s commitment to good governance and Development of the nation focusing on the four APRM thematic Areas namely: Democracy and Political Governance; Socio-Economic Development ; Corporate Governance ; Economic Governance and Management; as well as Cross-cutting Issues, after the first Review was carried out in 2008.

With the approval of the President, all is now set for the Country Review Mission Team, led by Ambassador Mona Attia, who are expected in the country to validate the CSAR by conducting town hall meetings, Sectoral Consultations and meeting with key stakeholders across the six Geo-Political zones.