Manny Ita –
Nigeria is set to host a major high-level policy dialogue as the Voice of Nigeria convenes its 2026 forum in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders to examine the country’s leadership role in sustaining democracy across West Africa. The event, scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, is expected to attract policymakers, diplomats, media professionals, and development experts from within and outside the region.
Chaired by former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, the forum is centered on the theme of Nigeria’s long-standing contributions to democratic stability within the Economic Community of West African States. Discussions will focus on the country’s role in promoting peace, constitutional governance, and regional cooperation since the establishment of the bloc in 1975.
Organisers say the forum will provide a platform to reflect on Nigeria’s involvement in peacekeeping missions, mediation efforts in political crises, and broader initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions across ECOWAS member states. It will also address emerging threats such as unconstitutional changes of government, political instability, and the growing influence of misinformation on governance in the region.
The gathering is expected to generate policy recommendations to reinforce democratic resilience and enhance collaboration among member states. Particular attention will be given to the role of the media and regulatory bodies in promoting accountability, ethical standards, and responsible information dissemination in an evolving digital landscape.
As Nigeria marks over five decades of engagement within ECOWAS, the forum is seen as a strategic effort to reassess past achievements and chart a forward-looking agenda for sustaining peace, stability, and democratic governance across West Africa.
