The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Channels Television to strengthen collaboration on advancing Nigeria’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnership seeks to leverage the media’s wide reach and UNDP’s expertise in sustainable development to shape public discourse and foster collective action across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNDP Nigeria Representative, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, described the partnership as a platform to elevate local voices and promote social change. “This partnership is about more than coverage — it is about shifting the narrative. It will provide a voice to Nigerians who are driving transformation at the community level and beyond,” she said. “By creating platforms for open development dialogue, we will ensure that the concerns of local communities, civil society organisations, and youth innovators are heard and recognised in policy discussions.”
Dr. John Momoh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Channels Media Group, said the collaboration offers an opportunity to connect journalism with actionable development outcomes. “At Channels Television, we believe journalism is not just about telling stories — it is about shaping the future. This partnership with UNDP allows us to spotlight Nigerian innovations and promote inclusive governance and development,” he stated.
The agreement outlines three main objectives. It aims to frame development issues through investigative journalism, human-interest stories, and expert-led discussions, translating the SDGs into issues that resonate with everyday Nigerians. The partnership will also amplify the experiences of youth, innovators, and communities, providing visibility for locally driven solutions and influencing policy through evidence-based storytelling. Additionally, it will focus on building the capacity of the next generation of development communicators, equipping them to report on complex issues in a people-centred manner.
The MoU reflects both organisations’ commitment to creating an informed and engaged society where public discourse catalyses action on sustainable development, governance, and inclusive growth. Ms. Attafuah emphasised, “Through this collaboration, we hope to turn innovative ideas into actionable opportunities that contribute to Nigeria’s development.”
Channels Television, one of Nigeria’s most awarded 24-hour independent networks, and UNDP Nigeria, implementing initiatives such as the Integrated Smart States Programme, will combine their resources to ensure that information, dialogue, and reporting translate into tangible community and national development outcomes.
