Nigeria has praised the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its extensive support through various development initiatives. The federal government has indicated its commitment to continuing to utilize the UNDP's expertise and assistance to expedite the country's reform agenda.
This commendation was made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday at the State House in Abuja. He spoke during a courtesy visit from the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah.
Gbajabiamila remarked, "The UNDP has a long history of presence in this country, and its contributions across a wide spectrum of areas are praiseworthy. I wish to reiterate our thanks for your support towards President Tinubu's reform programs.
"For instance, you mentioned the Made-in-Nigeria policy, which is a key component of Mr. President's reform agenda. Through this initiative, the president aims to embed a commitment to industrialization within his administration. Some refer to this as Nigeria First.
"The president is deeply committed to this policy. While we have had local content in the oil industry, this concept is far broader. We need to explore how to make this practical and effective, considering its entire value chain and the associated benefits, such as employment generation and economic growth."
The chief of staff also conveyed that Nigeria would welcome the agency's involvement in promoting greater participation of women in politics and governance, drawing lessons from experiences in other African nations. He suggested that the agency's experience from different regions could help Nigeria achieve its desired outcomes without conflicting with local values, cultures, or religious beliefs.
Gbajabiamila further indicated that the UNDP could offer valuable assistance in areas such as poverty reduction, education, agriculture, and the mining sector.
Earlier, the UNDP resident representative expressed appreciation for the constructive relationship the agency has maintained with Nigeria during her tenure.
She lauded President Tinubu's leadership style as exemplary and transformative, describing it as "inspirational and encouraging."
Attafuah stated, "Our purpose here is to explore how we can continue to position Nigeria, as the preeminent leader and powerhouse of Africa; to ensure that we support Nigeria's development objectives and aspirations.
"We are also here to reflect on potential avenues where we, as the largest development agency within the United Nations system, can contribute."
Attafuah elaborated that with the departure of several donors, the agency is shifting its focus from a project-centric model to a government-financed, long-term thematic approach. She emphasized the necessity for national governments to take ownership of their development initiatives through careful resource management.
She observed that the UNDP views the Made-In-Nigeria policy as a significant driver of development that can foster job creation and enhance economic competitiveness, trade, and innovation.
Attafuah announced that the UNDP has launched the University Graduate Hub initiative, which allows graduates to showcase their product prototypes and creative works to attract potential financiers. She added that the agency is also exploring collaborative opportunities in the education and energy sectors.
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