PSDdF, an initiative of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the American Business Council Nigeria (ABC Nigeria), is a coalition of private sector groups, civil society organizations, think tanks, and media partners.
The document which is to be presented to the Federal Government of Nigeria for implementation according to the group, focuses on four priority areas which include, strengthening democratic institutions such as the judiciary, media, and electoral bodies; empowering government officials and citizens through capacity building and civic education; promoting private sector integrity, accountability, and resilience against corruption; and minimizing inequality and promoting equitable wealth distribution through land tenure reforms.
Chairman of the PSDdF Steering Committee, Mr Yemi Candide-Johnson, in a statement said the choice of the priority areas was hinged on the potential catalytic effect to positively impact other democratic concerns and the subsequent effect on Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the National Agenda for Democratic Strengthening is a recognition of the crucial role and responsibility of the private sector in promoting stable democracy.
According to him, “By bringing together members of the Forum to invest in the pillars of inclusive democracy for all Nigerians, we can help to sustain national development and progress.”
He said PSDdF membership includes, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN); Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR); Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Accountability Lab; BudgIT; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW); School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University -Coalition of Journalists for Social Change (SMC-CNJ among others.
Mr. Candide-Johnson said Africa’s long journey into reaching the promised land of democracy presents attraction for private sector companies seeking to do business in a stable and efficient environment, “Unfortunately, in most countries, private sector has always avoided wading into the business of democracy and governance and had been worse off for this,” he said, adding that interventions in the conversation on democracy should be collaborative and not prescriptive, and should focus on strengthening democratic institutions, building capacity within these institutions and sharing applicable best practices which is what the PSDdF plans to do in Nigeria.
The organization said the launch of the document in September was to commemorate the International Day of Democracy, marking a significant step towards strengthening Nigerian democracy. “The launch will serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to implement the agenda’s recommendations,” it said.
Also commenting, CEO of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, noted that data-driven dialogue and strategic collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and policymakers remain critical in strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.
She reaffirms PSDdF’s dedication to creating a platform for businesses to play an active role in protecting democratic values, freedoms, and institutions to support sustainable and profitable business environments.