By Omeiza Ajayi

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC and founder, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Prof. Sam Amadi has counselled the federal government to take deliberate steps to counter destructive foreign political narratives being pushed through some Non Governmental Organisations NGOs against Nigeria’s democracy.

Amadi gave the charge in Abuja at a Stakeholder Dialogue on Foreign Influences and their impact on Democratic Values, organized by Dataphyte Foundation, a media research and data analytics organization which deploys data tools and technology for national socio-economic development.

According to him, while some foreign influences are capable of undermining political interests, the solution was not to outlaw foreign funding to organizations, but to create capacity at home to also fund cultural nuances of development which which may not align with foreign interests.

Noting that foreign aid sometimes breed corruption in the public service as like items which were traditionally budget for also receive donor support, Amadi urged the federal government to fund civil society groups and NGOs in the same manner that the American government funds the National Democratic Institute NDI and the International Republican Institute IRI.

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Amadi noted that the NGOs come with certain ideological conception of democracy and they decide which aspect of the electoral system to fund.

He said; “We must carefully scrutinize, 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.

“This is not about whether they are bad or good people, it is that they come with an idea of democracy and they push that idea.

“So, conceptually, every funding for democracy is a projection of ideas for those who are funding it and it is an influence.

“The question is, is it legitimate or illegitimate? In many cases, it is legitimate interest influenced by changes in line with their Constitution or in line with the so-called international human rights provisions.

“In some cases, it is actually negative. It undermines political interests, but the solution is not to outlaw foreign funding, but to create capacity at home to also fund what they (donors) don’t fund”.

Earlier, Director of Programmes, Dataphyte Foundation, Femi Amiele, said the organization has worked extensively in documenting and doing researches around influences with their partners.

He said in an era of heightened global interconnectedness, Nigeria faces many challenges and opportunities stemming from foreign influence on its democratic values and institutions.

According to him, it is essential to engage with international bodies but with caution.

Some of the recommendations from the dialogue include recognition of the imperative to diversify economic partnerships to mitigate dependency risks while capitalizing on investment opportunities.

Stakeholders also called for enhanced regulatory frameworks to counter disinformation campaigns and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.