Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democracy driving sustainable development goals — Orelope-Adefulire.

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

Orelope-Adefulire explained that democratic governance has created an enabling environment for advancing critical development priorities, including poverty reduction, quality education, healthcare delivery, gender equality, economic growth, and infrastructure development.
In a statement issued on Friday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, as Nigerians commemorated the 2026 Democracy Day, the presidential aide described the nation’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule as a remarkable achievement deserving celebration.
She emphasized that democracy and sustainable development are closely linked, noting that inclusive governance, accountability, transparency, citizen participation, and respect for the rule of law are vital for the successful implementation of the SDGs.
According to her, progress recorded across different sectors of the economy over the years has been made possible by the stability and continuity offered 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 said.
Orelope-Adefulire congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former leaders, democratic institutions, and Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day. She also commended citizens for their resilience and dedication to sustaining 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 objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through initiatives focused on 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. She stressed that achieving the SDGs requires collective efforts from government, the private sector, civil society organizations, 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 meaningful improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Orelope-Adefulire also expressed optimism that with sustained democratic stability, responsible leadership, and active citizen participation, Nigeria would continue to make significant progress toward achieving the SDGs and building a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.