The United Nations (UN) has expressed its support to Nigeria’s development plans, stating the need to build on already existing dynamic structures.
National Programme Officer in Nigeria, Dr. Reuben Bamidele, made this commitment while speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Lagos.
The meeting had in attendance officials from the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), Lagos State Ministry of Economic, Planning and Budget, Lagos State House of Assembly, Universities, Media Communities and Civil service Organisations among others.
He noted that the essence of the meeting was to make critical decisions from stakeholders on ways to support the Nigerian government.
“The United Nations is committed to supporting the Nigerian government and moving the country from where it is, to where it ought to be and also in ensuring that the peace and security of the country are strengthened.
“The cooperative framework is the collective response of the UN system in Nigeria. We achieve a lot in supporting the country and helped in the economic recovery, so we intend to keep the partnership and achieve better things going forward,” he said.
UN Consultant, Prof. Lanre Olaniran, revealed that development shortfalls and high unemployment rates have hindered development in the country.
“Low earnings for individuals, poor social indicators and disparities by incomes, are some of the factors needed to change for the development of the country.
“Environmental, ecosystem and natural resource management remain a challenge; given the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources which expose the population to climate change vulnerabilities,“ he said.
Olaniran, who works at University of Ibadan, noted that synergy between UN and the government cannot be over-emphasised.
“It is important for the government and the UN to work together to avoid duplication of projects. It is important to have the cooperation frameworks so that both parties can find out what has and hasn’t been done to avoid wasting resources,” he said.
Convener, SpeakingFingers Network, Treasure Uchegbu, said the UN Consultative Forum is an enriching experience, which provides and opportunity to glean perspectives from a diverse thought Leadership collaborators.
She commended United Nations Development Assistance Frameworks that have been significant in impact strategies and interventions for Nigeria.
“There is need to emphasise stronger partnerships across board for the four pillars of the UN Goals which are: Prosperity, Planet, People and Peace. Effective optimisation, utilisation and monitoring of UN funds is key,” she said.
