Communique of the Bureau of the African Peer Review Panel of Eminent Persons Following its Country Engagement Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 12 to 13 February 2018

1. On 12 to 13 February, 2018, the Bureau of the African Peer Review (APR) Panel of Eminent Persons, comprised of Hon. Brigitte Mabandla (Chairperson) and Prof Ibrahim Gambari (Vice Chairperson), undertook a Country Engagement Mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer, Prof Eddy Maloka, and staff of the Continental Secretariat;

2. The Mission was hosted by National NEPAD/APRM office, led by the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Princess Gloria Akobundu;

3. Key highlights of the Mission were the consultation with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Gida Mustapha, in his capacity as the APRM Focal Point of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and an Interactive Session held with National APRM Stakeholders;

4. During the consultation with the SGF, who was accompanied by Senior Officials of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and senior staff of NEPAD/APRM Nigeria, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria committed itself to the APRM and expressed its readiness to undergo its 2nd Generation Country Review without any further delay;

5. The Mission acknowledged the two country Progress Reports submitted by Nigeria on the implementation of the National Plan of Action, which has paved way for its preparation for the second cycle of the Country’s Review.

6. The Mission appreciated the Country’s implementation of the Panel’s recommendations, inter alia, strengthening the independence and capacity of Electoral bodies, combating money laundering and advance fee frauds, revitalizing the energy sector, the road, railway and aviation systems as well as implementing the National Poverty Eradication programme.

7. The Mission further encouraged Nigeria to continue addressing its challenges and put more efforts on areas that require improvement.

8. The SGF also reiterated the interest of Nigeria in hosting the planned high-level event of the APRM on Elections and Violence in Africa;

9. The Interactive Session, attended by representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), among other participants who graced the event, deliberated on various aspects of revitalizing the APRM structures and processes in Nigeria, including modalities required for the 2nd Country Review;

10. At the conclusion of the Mission, the Bureau held an internal consultation with the leadership and staff of NEPAD/APRM Nigeria; and

11. Finally, the Bureau held discussions with the CEO and the Continental Staff on the work and role of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons as well as preparations for the Panel’s meeting to be held in Kigali, Rwanda on the 12th of March, 2018

Signed by:

Hon. Brigitte Mabandla, Chairperson of the APR Panel of Eminent Persons

Dated: 13th February 2018