Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a $174.59 million Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to enhance the nation’s industrial sector.
Announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Julie Osagie-Jacobs in Abuja on Wednesday, the four-year initiative (2024–2028) aims to drive technological innovation, improve industrial capacity, and promote sustainable industrial practices.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, described the partnership as a milestone in fostering industrial growth, job creation, and economic transformation.
“Through this initiative, we aim to enhance Nigeria’s industrial capacity, drive technological innovation, and promote environmentally sustainable industrial practices,” Bagudu stated.
The funding for the PCP will primarily come from donor partners, contributing 85.7% ($149.62 million), while the Federal Government will provide the remaining 14.3% ($24.97 million) as counterpart funding.
Bagudu revealed that Nigeria has already made an initial payment of $1.28 million to UNIDO and urged stakeholders—including development partners, the private sector, and civil society—to collaborate for the programme’s effective implementation.
The Minister of State for Industry, John Umoh, emphasized UNIDO’s role as a technical and strategic partner, particularly in guiding the Industrial Revolution Work Group. He encouraged stakeholders to transition “from potential to productivity and from policy to prosperity.”
UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Müller, noted that the PCP aligns with the organization’s mandate and Sustainable Development Goal 9, highlighting Nigeria’s potential as an African economic powerhouse.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the programme’s success through inter-ministerial collaboration.
Meanwhile, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshionye, expressed optimism that local manufacturers would benefit from the initiative.
He affirmed MAN’s support in realizing the PCP’s objectives, particularly in job creation, export expansion, and attracting investments to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
