The Federal Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s industrial landscape have officially launched a four-year Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) Flagship Strategy covering the period from 2024 to 2028.
The agreement, signed on April 2, 2025, in Abuja, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s push for inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.
The pact, formalized between UNIDO and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, follows a request by the Nigerian government for enhanced support in accelerating industrial development and diversifying the national economy.
This strategic initiative represents the first of its kind in Nigeria and is seen as a milestone in the country’s long-standing cooperation with UNIDO, which spans over four decades.
Designed to position Nigeria as a leading industrial and economic hub in West Africa, the PCP will build on existing collaborations while establishing new partnerships.
Its core objective is to contribute to the creation of a diversified, competitive, inclusive, and sustainable industrial economy.
The programme aligns closely with national and international development frameworks, including Nigeria’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2021–2025, the Renewed Hope Agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It is also in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027.
Key focus areas of the PCP include the promotion of agro-based value chains, particularly those connected to the tourism sector, the advancement of industrial diversification, and the encouragement of innovation through the development of special economic zones.
The strategy also addresses cross-cutting priorities such as industrial policy and statistics, quality infrastructure, sustainable energy, and circular economy principles.
Furthermore, the programme places a strong emphasis on inclusive growth by incorporating initiatives for women’s empowerment and youth employment, ensuring that the benefits of industrial development reach a broad spectrum of Nigerian society.
UNIDO’s leadership expressed strong commitment to the initiative, highlighting its potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast economic and industrial capabilities.
With this partnership, both parties aim to catalyze job creation, boost local value addition, and foster a resilient and forward-looking industrial sector in Nigeria.
