FENRAD advocates stronger governance during democracy study validation in Enugu

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has participated in the External Stakeholders’ Validation Meeting of the Democracy in Nigeria (DIN) Study for the South-East zone, held in Enugu State.

The meeting brought together professional bodies, scholars, civil society organisations, governance experts and development practitioners to review and validate findings of the Democracy in Nigeria Study, a comprehensive democratic assessment framework developed by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).

The study provides a systematic and comparative mechanism for evaluating how Nigerian states uphold democratic principles and practices. It examines not only electoral processes but also broader democratic indicators such as governance accountability, civic participation, institutional transparency, rule of law and protection of civic space across the country.

Representing FENRAD at the meeting was the organisation’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, who joined other stakeholders in examining the study findings as they relate to the South-East region.

The engagement also served as a platform for dialogue and expert contributions aimed at strengthening the credibility, accuracy and policy relevance of the study.

Speaking during the session, Nwafor emphasised the importance of evidence-based democratic assessment tools in strengthening governance and public accountability in Nigeria.

According to him, credible data and stakeholder-driven validation processes are essential for identifying democratic gaps, improving institutional performance and promoting participatory governance across the country.

He noted that civil society organisations play a critical role in safeguarding democratic values through research, advocacy, policy dialogue and citizen mobilisation to ensure that democratic institutions effectively serve the interests of the people.

FENRAD also commended the Kimpact Development Initiative for creating an inclusive platform that allows diverse stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the review and validation of the study.

The organisation noted that collaborative engagements of such nature are vital for strengthening democratic governance, improving institutional accountability and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.

The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic ideals, protecting civic space, advancing environmental justice and supporting governance reforms that enhance transparency, public participation and sustainable development in the South-East region and the country at large.