News Agency of Nigeria
FG set to offset 5 months wage award arrears
General News

FG set to offset 5 months wage award arrears

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Federal Government is to pay the outstanding five months N35,000 wage award arrears to workers.

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) made this known in a statement issued by Mr Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations.

Mokwa said that the Federal Government had earlier paid five months wage award in instalments.

He said that the outstanding arrears would be paid in installments of N35,000 per month for five months.

He said the first installment of the outstanding wage award arrears would be paid after the April 2025 salary.

“The wage award arrears will not be paid with the April 2025 salary; it will come immediately after the salary is paid”, he said.

He said that the Federal Government was determined to fully implement all policies and agreements regarding staff remuneration and welfare to enhance productivity and efficiency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG to reduce inflation, create more jobs- Edun
Foreign

FG to reduce inflation, create more jobs- Edun

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the Federal Government plans to reduce inflation rate to single digit and create more jobs.

 

Edun stated this during a press conference addressed by the Nigerian economic team, as part of activities marking the end of the 2025 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings on Saturday in Washington D.C.

 

He said that the government was collaborating with development partners like the World Bank to create jobs for Nigerians in pursuit of sustainable employment and poverty eradication.

 

“The objective is to create jobs locally, empower youths, and support them through essential infrastructure.

 

“That includes digital infrastructure, access to data, internet, and fibre optic networks, to enable them to work remotely,” the minister said.

 

Edun said that the country’s unemployment rate had dropped to 4.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 from 5.3 per cent in first quarter 2024.

 

According to him, the world now faces a very uncertain future, but Nigeria is well positioned to survive the shocks in spite of heightened tensions, inflation, and declining global growth.

 

The minister also said that President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda were working and the results were commendable.

 

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, said that the government acknowledged the impact of inflationary pressures on the country.

 

“We recognise that inflation remains the most disruptive force to the economic welfare of Nigerians.

 

“Our policy stance is firmly focused on bringing inflation down to single digits in a sustainable manner over the medium term,” Cardoso said.

 

The CBN governor said that the painful reforms embarked upon by the country was now yielding positive results.

 

“At the IMF meetings the nation was a reference point of how reforms could change the economic trajectory of a nation for the better.

 

“The reforms are not easy, but they are delivering results. We have moved from a position of vulnerability towards one of growing strength,” he said.

 

Cardoso said that the significance of Nigeria’s efforts was restoring investors confidence.

 

“The country had a high-level investment forum at the Nasdaq Market Site in New York.

 

“That gave insights into the positive impact of the reforms and growing appetite for investment in Nigeria by Diaspora Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

 

“The New York forum delivered powerful outcomes, it significantly bolstered investor confidence in the country’s market fundamentals, with leading voices affirming the country’s economic progress and renewed standing as a compelling investment destination,” he said.

 

The CBN governor said that the country  recorded a balance of payments surplus of 6.83 billion dollars in 2024, principally on the back of rising exports and capital inflows.

 

According to him, this has supported the stability of the domestic unit amidst boosted investor confidence, discouraged speculative arbitrage and closed the gap between official and parallel market rates.

 

Cardoso said that the recapitalisation efforts were gaining momentum with maximum support and compliance from all stakeholders in the banking sector.

 

He said that the Tinubu-led government planed to set the nation on an ambitious trajectory of becoming a one trillion dollar economy by 2030.

 

According to him, the CBN has set the capital base for financial lenders nationwide, highlighting its goal of enhancing banks’ ability to fund large-scale projects and drive economic activities.

 

“The banking sector recapitalisation is well underway, with strong momentum and stakeholder alignment,” Cardoso said.

 

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sen. Sani Musa, said that the country was doing well to reposition the financial system so as to restore confidence.

 

“The economic team of this administration is doing very well on the fiscal aspect of our economy, so that poverty will be reduced.

 

“I think we have done all the needful in terms of activities to the tax reform bills to make them workable,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the delegation, which was led by Edun, include Cardoso, Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, and other top government officials.

 

NAN reports that the delegation had a series of meetings with fund managers, global financial leaders, and multilateral institutions investors.

 

Also, meetings were held with other development partners to cement existing relationships, create new partnerships and spread the news of the dividends of Nigeria’s economic reforms.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG seeks enhance global support for reforming economies
Foreign

FG seeks enhance global support for reforming economies

By Nana Musa

Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has called for enhanced global support for reforming economies.

 

Edun made the call at the G-24 Ministerial Meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 IMF World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C , on Wednesday.

 

The minister urged IMF and the World Bank to reward reform-minded economies, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, by expanding access to affordable financing and deploying more innovative instruments to support their transitions.

 

Edun also welcomed the IMF’s recent establishment of a third Sub-Saharan Africa chair and urged increased African representation at senior management levels within the Bretton Woods institutions.

 

He said that the country was open for business, adding that the reforms would deliver their full impact.

 

“We need the international community to match our ambition with strong, targeted support.”

 

Edun reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to structural reforms, fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and comprehensive tax policy reforms.

 

The minister said that this administration’s focuses on restoring macroeconomic stability and building a more resilient, inclusive economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG relaunches national school feeding programme
Metro

FG relaunches national school feeding programme

By Philomina Attah
The Federal Government is set to relaunch its Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) on May 29.

 

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, revealed this on Wednesday during a meeting with development partners, NGOs, and government officials in Abuja.

 

Sununu announced that the relaunch would take place to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

 

He said the programme aims to combat child hunger and improve educational outcomes across the country.

 

Sununu highlighted the plan’s holistic design — providing daily nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients to support both children’s health and local farming communities.

 

He stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration to sustain the programme and ensure its long-term success.

 

“The initiative aims to benefit 10 million children and could increase school enrolment by 20 per cent and academic performance by 15 per cent by 2025,” he said.

 

The relaunch comes amid projections that over 30 million Nigerians may face hunger, underscoring the urgency of swift and effective implementation.

 

“Our mission is to feed every public school pupil in Primary One to Three, nurturing their potential and building the nation’s future,” he stated.

 

The programme is also designed to reduce malnutrition, boost school retention rates, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

 

He described it as a major step towards fighting hunger, malnutrition, and low school enrolment across the country.

 

He urged community ownership, active parental involvement, and training for cooks, while noting the programme’s potential to empower women and smallholder farmers.

 

Development partners, including the AMA Foundation and private firms like Tetra Pak, have pledged support for the renewed initiative.

 

The government also promised reforms, improved monitoring, and collaboration to guarantee sustainability and measurable impact.

 

Sununu called on all stakeholders to unite, stressing that the programme is capital intensive and requires joint effort for success.

 

Dr Aderemi Adebowale, National Programme Manager of RH-NHGSFP, described the programme as an investment in the nation’s future.

 

She said the aim extends beyond feeding — it also includes empowering women, youth, and farmers through inclusive and sustainable practices.

 

Adebowale noted that N100 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget to scale up reach and deepen community impact.

 

“The updated RH-NHGSFP will provide daily meals to public primary pupils using food grown and sourced locally,” she explained.

 

She emphasised the power of collaboration, saying success would depend on collective action and a shared national vision.

 

Between 2018 and 2022, the programme improved nutrition and enrolment, but struggled with supply chain and farmer involvement issues.

 

Adebowale disclosed new QR-coded supply chains and real-time tracking for better transparency, quality control, and accountability.

 

According to her, the programme will fully integrate women, youth, cooks, and farmers, offering targeted training and income opportunities.

 

“Nutritionists, health professionals, and supervisors will monitor food quality and assess pupil health and programme outcomes.

 

“The focus remains on local sourcing, especially through women-led cooperatives, aiming to reduce rural poverty by 40 per cent,” Adebowale said.

 

She said collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission would ensure all beneficiaries are registered and tracked.

 

She urged partnerships with development agencies, community leaders, politicians, and state governors to ensure nationwide ownership.

 

Dr Badamasi Lawal, CEO of NSIPA, said the relaunch represents a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against child hunger and inequality.

 

Represented by Dr Binta Musa, he called on stakeholders to unite and secure a healthier, more inclusive future for children.

 

The meeting ended with a call for strategic partnerships to align the initiative with key Sustainable Development Goals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG reforms have improved Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook – Report
Foreign

FG reforms have improved Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook – Report

 

By Nana Musa

Mr Jason Wu, Assistant Director for Global Markets, International Monetary Fund (IMF), said that the recent government reforms had improved Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook.

 

Wu said this at the ongoing IMF/World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, during the release of the agency’s Global Financial Stability report for April 2205.

 

He said that the reforms had simultaneously lowered Nigeria sovereign credit profile, while adding that the country remained exposed to financial volatility and weakening global risk appetite.

 

“Nigeria’s sovereign spread has widened in recent weeks as global stock markets decline.

 

“For major commodity exporters like Nigeria, if trade tensions continue to dampen global demand, revenue shortfalls are likely.

 

“Authorities must stay vigilant and adopt the right policies to respond,” Wu said.

 

The IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) highlighted Nigeria’s return to the international debt market in late 2024 with its first Eurobond issuance since 2022.

 

This marked a positive shift in investor sentiment toward frontier markets, buoyed by macroeconomic reforms and improved credit ratings.

 

He quoted the report, saying “Sovereign eurobond spreads for frontier economies narrowed in 2024 and early 2025, helped by fiscal reforms, progress in debt restructuring, and foreign exchange policy adjustments.”

 

Examples cited include debt restructuring in Ethiopia and Ghana, and Nigeria’s forex market reforms.

 

“Frontier economies were able to issue foreign currency debt at relatively modest yields,” the report noted.

 

It added that the total issuance in first quarter of 2025 was roughly half of the total for 2024.

 

The report said, “Nigeria returned to the eurobond market in late 2024 for the first time since 2022, while Egypt re-entered in January 2025.”

 

It also revealed that Angola secured foreign currency financing through a total return swap with an international bank, while Côte d’Ivoire accounted for the largest eurobond issuance in Africa during first quarter.

 

Regionally, economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is also projected to ease slightly to 3.8 per cent in 2025, before rebounding to 4.2 per cent in 2026.

 

The nation’s growth, however, is expected to remain below the regional average.

 

“For Sub-Saharan Africa, growth is projected to decline from 4.0 per cent in 2024 to 3.8 per cent in 2025, before modestly recovering to 4.2 per cent in 2026.

 

“Among major economies, Nigeria’s forecast was downgraded by 0.2 percentage points for 2025 and 0.3 for 2026, due to falling oil prices.

 

“South Africa saw a 0.5-point downgrade for 2025 and 0.3 for 2026, citing weak 2024 performance and deteriorating sentiment,” the report said.

 

Also, South Sudan recorded the sharpest downgrade, with its 2025 forecast slashed by 31.5 percentage points due to delays in restarting oil production through a damaged pipeline.

 

On a positive note, Nigeria’s current account balance is expected to remain in surplus, however, declinin from 9.1 per cent of GDP in 2024 to 6.9 per cent in 2025, and 5.2 per cent in 2026.

 

This surplus could offer a degree of protection against external economic shocks. (NAN)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy
Science & Tech

FG, French coy sign MOU on cybersecurity resilience, academy

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SecDojo, a French-based cybersecurity training and upskilling company to build cybersecurity resilience and an academy.

Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Umar said the Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, signed the MoU with Mr Younes Benzagmout, Chief Executive Officer of SecDojo at the on-going Gulf International Technology and Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Marrakech, Morocco.

Umar stated that the MoU was towards continued efforts in strengthening national security which would build digital trust and safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.

She said it would also strengthen national resilience against cyber threats through targeted capacity building initiatives.

“This strategic partnership is designed to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives.

“The collaboration will focus on the establishment of a Cybersecurity Academy, delivery of advanced training and simulation programmes.

“It will foster development of customised curricula, educational resources, facilitation of research, knowledge sharing and professional exchange programmes,” she said.

Inuwa at the MoU signing expressed hopes that the collaboration would be a major milestone towards securing a digital future for the country.

He said that as Nigeria continue its digital transformation journey, investing in human capital was paramount for the desired technological component of innovative ecosystem.

The D-G said there was a growing global demand for cybersecurity professionals and there was need for Nigeria to partake in bridging the gap.

“Globally, we have the gap and in Nigeria, we have a young population that if we harness well, we can train and connect them with the global value chain.

“This will provide cybersecurity services and capture the market,” he said.

He reiterated the need to integrate digital skills into the country’s formal education systems which would involve the engagement of stakeholders especially the Federal Ministry of Education.

“This goes beyond NITDA, it is a national opportunity that involves the Ministry of Education to institutionalise digital literacy through formal education.

“Currently, what NITDA offers are skills acceleration programmes because these critical digital competencies are not taught in schools.

“To prepare for the future, we must embed these skills into our national education framework,” he said.

Benzagmout expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with Nigerian stakeholders.

He said the collaboration would bring SecDojo’s innovative training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s cybersecurity professionals.

He added that it would also contribute to the development and execution of a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.

GITEX Africa, which is the largest technology and startup exhibition in Africa, is holding in Morocco from April 14 to April 16.

It is being attended by industry players, the academia and investors, among other participants.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants
Metro

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to provide affordable homes for federal civil servants in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB) Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed gave the assurance while inspecting some government housing projects for civil servants in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi in the FCT.

“Houses are now very costly. We are looking around to see the assets that are very affordable for the federal civil servants.

“Thank God, these houses are within the reach of the civil servants.

“Our housing project will meet the needs of public servants. What public or civil servants want is a good quality and comfortable shelter. but you know how it is, it’s not easy living in Abuja.

“I am sad because most of our civil servants’ commute from Nasarawa State and Suleje in Niger and other far areas.

“You know that transportation in Abuja is very expensive. Rent is also kyroketing at an alarming rate; the salary can no longer take care of all these challenges,” she said.

The FGSHLB boss said she was satisfied with the progress of work at the project site in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi, adding that the buildings will be ready for commissioning in June.

She further explained that while a two-bedroom bungalow goes for 17 million naira, three bedrooms are going for 22 million naira and duplexes of three bedrooms are for 30 million naira.

She also appealed for more funding for the board to enable it to do more for the public servants in the country

“We are looking at how we can do so many places, but because of funding challenges, we cannot finish them all at the same time.

“We are taking them bit by bit, by the time we finish with some, then we can go for others,” Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, the developer at the Kuje site, Mr Rotimi Fasan said the infrastructure in the estate had been completed.

“We have a road network, water system; we also have lots of green areas for children to play in.

“We have also completed the construction of a central sewage system and others.

“By the grace of God, in the next few months, this place will be ready for commissioning with all the listed facilities,” Fasan said.

NAN reports that the FISH Programme, which was initiated by OHCSF in 2015, is designed to provide affordable housing for Federal Civil Servants through an integrated strategy involving group land allocation, inter-ministerial collaborations and provision of infrastructure and services. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima
Economy/Business

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this while performing the ground-breaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

“It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.” The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “the SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributing 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also. the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While reiterating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The ground-breaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara
Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future
Economy/Business

FG, UNIDO partner to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial future

By Nana Musa/ Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has signed a Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to drive Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, emphasised the significance of the agreement in repositioning the country’s industrial sector.

Enoh said that the partnership aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to rebuilding its industrial base to achieve structural economic transformation.

He said that the Industrial Revolution Work Group (IWG) had been inaugurated to coordinate the revitalisation of key industrial assets and value chains

According to Enoh, the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is moving with clarity and urgency to rebuild its industrial base.

He said that it would boost economic growth, and also ensure structural transformation that empowers the people and reduces dependency on primary exports.

Enoh said that the IWG, which he co-chaired with the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, was a stakeholder platform designed to address systemic bottlenecks and fast-track industrial zone development.

The minister said that the PCP aligned with the objectives of the IWG, focusing on agro-industrial transformation, SME development, green and digital transition, and skills for industrial competitiveness.

He expressed optimism that UNIDO’s technical expertise and global perspective would enhance Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts through infrastructure development and catalytic interventions.

“We welcome your presence at the table and look forward to integrating your insights into the group’s core operations.

“Nigeria is laying the foundation for the next chapter in its industrial history by modernising institutions, reforming policies, and strengthening coordination across all levels of government,” he said.

Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering multilateral and bilateral cooperation, urging all stakeholders to transition from agreements to tangible execution.

“As we sign today, we do so with resolve not for the ceremony, but for community-medium impact.

“Let us move together from potential to productivity, from agreement to execution, and from policy to prosperity,” he said.

The Minister Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said that the PCP was expected to boost manufacturing, enhance access to renewable energy, and create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bagudu said that it would also strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme, adding that Nigeria remained open to international investments and partnerships.

“Nigeria is determined to achieve its economic vision, and we will stay the course,” he said.

The UNIDO Director-General, Gerd Müller, described the PCP as a new phase in Nigeria’s long standing partnership with the organisation, which dates back 40 years

“This initiative focuses on six key areas, including industrial policy, innovation and technology, value chain development, and sustainable energy solutions.

“It will directly support Nigeria’s National Development Plan and the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Müller said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, emphasised that the signing of the PCP marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Fall acknowledged the challenges facing the country but reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working alongside Nigerian authorities and development partners to implement impactful initiatives.

He highlighted the role of UNICEF and other UN agencies in supporting Nigeria’s economic and humanitarian efforts.

He assured stakeholders that the UN remained dedicated to helping Nigeria transition toward a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the Government, the European Union, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial sector. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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