- Tinubu Seeks Deeper Nigeria–UNDP Collaboration on Development Goals
- Gbajabiamila acknowledged the role the agency has played in supporting several development programmes across different sectors in Nigeria
- Attafuah expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UNDP
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its longstanding support to the country through various development initiatives.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the commendation was given by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, when he received the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
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Gbajabiamila acknowledged the role the agency has played in supporting several development programmes across different sectors in Nigeria.
“UNDP has been around in this country for a long time, and many of the programmes you have implemented across various sectors are commendable. I want to thank you once again for your support for President Tinubu’s reform programmes,” he said.
The Chief of Staff also highlighted the administration’s Made-in-Nigeria policy, which he described as a major component of the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the policy aims to boost industrialisation, strengthen local production and create jobs across the country.
“We had the local content policy in the oil industry before, but this is a much broader concept. The goal is to see how we can make it work across the entire value chain, bringing benefits such as employment opportunities and economic growth,” he explained.
Gbajabiamila further said Nigeria would welcome UNDP’s support in encouraging greater participation of women in politics and governance, noting that the agency’s experience in other African countries could help Nigeria achieve progress while respecting cultural and religious sensitivities.
He added that the government is also open to collaboration with the agency in areas such as poverty reduction, education, agriculture and the mining sector.
Earlier, Attafuah expressed appreciation for the strong partnership between Nigeria and the UNDP, noting that the agency remains committed to supporting the country’s development goals.
She also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, describing it as “inspirational and encouraging.”
“We are here to explore how we can continue to position Nigeria as the leader and giant of Africa while supporting its development initiatives and aspirations,” she said.
Attafuah explained that with the reduction in donor funding, the UNDP is shifting from a project-based model to a long-term strategy that encourages governments to take greater ownership of their development initiatives.
She noted that the Made-in-Nigeria policy has the potential to drive job creation, economic competitiveness, trade and innovation.
The UNDP representative also revealed that the agency recently launched the University Graduate Hub initiative, a platform designed to help graduates upload prototypes of their innovations and connect with potential investors.
She added that the agency is exploring additional collaboration with Nigeria in the education and energy sectors.
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