By Gloria Ikibah
The European Union (EU) has congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of Democracy Day, commending the country’s democratic progress while emphasising that democracy remains a continuous process that must be nurtured through participation, accountability and inclusive governance.
In a Democracy Day message, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, described democracy as more than an event or milestone, stressing that it is sustained through active citizen engagement and strong institutions. 
“Democracy is not a single moment. It is a movement, free conversations leading to decisions, millions of voices demanding to be heard, and taken into account. Democracy is a daily duty. It thrives in the work of institutions, in the participation of citizens, in peaceful dialogue, and in the belief that progress must belong to everyone,” he said.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Mignot noted that the day offers Nigerians an opportunity to remember the end of military rule and assess the country’s democratic journey.
The EU envoy acknowledged that Nigeria’s democracy has continued to evolve despite numerous challenges, driven by citizen participation, dialogue and the aspirations of its people.
“Today, Nigeria marks Democracy Day, remembering the end of the dark days of dictatorship, a moment to reflect on the democratic journey, and on the millions of Nigerians, who continue to struggle to shape its future every single day.
“Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve, shaped by participation, strengthened through dialogue, and driven by the energy and aspirations of its people: from communities demanding accountability to young people redefining civic participation, to women expanding the space for leadership and representation.
“Across Nigeria and in spite of many challenges, democracy continues to grow through resilience, reform and inclusion,” he added.
Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes through various initiatives, particularly the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.
“The European Union is proud to stand alongside Nigeria in that journey. Through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, we are supporting institutions, partnerships and democratic processes that help strengthen participation, dialogue and inclusive engagement.
“We are supporting Nigeria’s electoral umpire in areas that improve broader participation, democratic engagement, institutional learning, and the continued evolution of the electoral processes in Nigeria.
According to him, the EU has continued to provide support to Nigeria’s electoral system, peace-building initiatives and justice sector reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance.
“We are working alongside the National Peace Committee and partners across the country, to encourage peaceful participation, democratic dialogue, and national cohesion, before, during and beyond elections.
“We are supporting legislative engagement, policy dialogue and collaboration across the justice sector in ways that help to strengthen accountability, democratic practice and the rule of law,” he said.
The ambassador also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote greater inclusion of women, young people and persons with disabilities in governance and democratic participation.
“Across the country, we also continue to support greater inclusion for women, young people and persons with disabilities, because democracy is strongest when more voices are represented,” he noted.
Addressing the challenges posed by the digital age, Mignot said the EU remains committed to supporting independent media organisations, civic information platforms and fact-checking networks to strengthen democratic discourse.
“And in a rapidly changing digital environment, we continue to support the independent media, civic information platforms and verification networks working to strengthen public information and democratic discourse.
“Because democracy depends on participation, on accountability, on peaceful dialogue, and on citizens believing their voices still matter. Across Nigeria, we continue to see that belief taking shape,” he said.
He pointed to the growing civic consciousness among Nigerians, particularly younger generations, as evidence of democracy’s resilience.
“In classrooms, in newsroHjoms, in town halls, in communities and in the energy of a new generation, determined to shape the future,” he remarked.
Mignot further noted that through the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, the bloc would continue investing in partnerships that promote opportunity, participation and long-term development.
“Through the Global Gateway Strategy, the European Union continues to invest in partnerships that expand opportunity, strengthen participation and support long-term resilience for the next generation.
“Because democracy is never finished, it must never be taken for granted. It must be protected, strengthened and renewed together.
“Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria,” he said.
