The Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have signed a $174.6 million Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement to drive Nigeria’s industrial development.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who signed on behalf of the government, described the four-year partnership (2024–2028) as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen industrial growth, create jobs, and transform the economy.
“Through this initiative, we aim to enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity, drive technological innovation, and promote environmentally sustainable practices,” Bagudu stated.
The programme is designed to provide economic opportunities, particularly for youth and marginalized groups. It will be funded through an 85.7% contribution ($149.6 million) from donors and partners mobilized by UNIDO, while the Nigerian government will provide the remaining 14.3% ($25 million).
“So far, Nigeria has made an initial financial commitment of $1.28 million as payment to UNIDO,” Bagudu added.
A statement from the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Osagie Jacobs, urged stakeholders, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate for the successful implementation of the programme.
Bagudu also commended UNIDO for its steadfast partnership and commitment to Nigeria’s industrial agenda.
Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Umoh, expressed confidence that UNIDO would serve as a key technical and strategic partner in driving the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IRWG).
“We must move together from potential to productivity, from agreement to execution, and from policy to prosperity as the PCP is implemented,” he urged.
UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Muller, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting industrial development in its member states, emphasizing that Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s economic powerhouse.
The PCP focuses on critical areas of Nigeria’s industrial development agenda, including job creation, raw material availability, export potential, and investment attraction.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, noted that ongoing engagements between the ministry, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments (FMITI), and UNIDO have strengthened the government’s commitment to successfully launching the PCP in Nigeria.
President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshionye, highlighted the benefits of the programme for the manufacturing sector, particularly in terms of funding. He pledged the association’s support in achieving the initiative’s key objectives and called for more impactful projects to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing industry.
