Nigeria, UNIDO sign agreement on industrial development

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has launched the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), a transformative partnership to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial development across Nigeria.

At the signing ceremony, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, highlighted the alignment of the PCP with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasising that the partnership aimed to reduce reliance on primary exports and foster a thriving manufacturing sector.

Enoh said, “The PCP signifies a new era of industrial cooperation built on trust, shared vision, and actionable strategies. Through this initiative, we will tackle systemic bottlenecks, revitalise key industries, and attract private sector investments.”

A key element aligned to the PCP is the establishment of the Industrial Revitalization Working Group (IRWG), a high-level platform for accelerating industrial reforms. The PCP’s thematic focus areas—agro-industrial transformation, SME development, digital innovation, and green transition—align with the IRWG’s objectives to drive economic growth and sustainability.

With the PCP now underway, Nigeria stands at the threshold of a new industrial era, ready to unlock opportunities, attract investments, and lead Africa’s industrial renaissance.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, affirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the PCP with a $174.6 million budget. The Nigerian government has committed 14.3% in counterpart funding, with UNIDO mobilising the remainder through partnerships and donor contributions.

“The PCP is a vital catalyst for job creation, skill development, and technological advancement in line with our National Development Plan,” Bagudu said.

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UNIDO Director-General, Mr. Gerd Müller, lauded the partnership as a historic milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and the organisation and reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and investment facilitation to ensure the programme’s success.

The ceremony brought together government officials, private sector leaders, diplomatic representatives, and development partners from across the globe. Donor nations, including Japan and Germany, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s industrialisation vision.

Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, emphasising the ministry’s commitment to delivering measurable economic outcomes. “The journey ahead demands collaboration and resilience as we move from potential to productivity,” Rimi said.