In an era of heightened global interconnectedness, Nigeria faces many challenges and opportunities stemming from foreign influence on its democratic values and institutions. Recognising the critical importance of addressing these complexities, Dataphyte Foundation, a leading organisation dedicated to providing access to data and policy insights for transparency and accountability, convened a stakeholder dialogue to address the multifaceted dynamics of foreign influence and chart a course towards safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
The dialogue, attended by esteemed experts, academics, civil society leaders, and thought leaders, yielded invaluable insights and recommendations for navigating the challenges posed by foreign influence. Key discussions revolved around identifying the primary challenges and opportunities associated with foreign influence on Nigeria’s democratic values. The dialogue resulted in actionable recommendations for mitigating the negative effects of foreign influence on Nigeria’s democratic values and maximising positive outcomes in line with international cooperation on the global stage.
It’s essential to engage with international bodies but with caution. We must carefully scrutinise, filter, and transform external influences, ensuring they align with our values. Ultimately, we must develop our own identity and align with those who share common developmental goals. By setting our own agenda, we can shape the culture and norms that define us,” stated Prof Sam Amadi, Director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, in his keynote address at the event.
Key insights and recommendations from the dialogue include:
– Recognition of the imperative to diversify economic partnerships to mitigate dependency risks while capitalising on investment opportunities.
– Urgent call for enhanced regulatory frameworks to counter disinformation campaigns and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“Moving forward, the onus is on all stakeholders to translate dialogue into decisive action,” adds Femi Amele, Programme Director, Dataphyte Foundation. “Together, we must implement the actionable recommendations generated from this dialogue and foster a culture of democratic resilience in Nigeria.”
As the dialogue concluded on a note of unity and resolve, Dataphyte Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to driving positive change and invited all stakeholders to leverage insights from all its data-driven publications and join forces in safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.
For further information and access to research publications by Dataphyte on foreign influence in Nigeria, visit https://bit.ly/Dataphyte_Research.
Signed by
Femi Amiele,
Programme Director, Dataphyte Foundation