The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has officially launched the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) Flagship Strategy (2024–2028) and inaugurated its National Coordination Body (NCB) in Abuja.
The initiative is designed to promote and accelerate Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID), stimulate economic growth, and foster innovation for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. It also aims to strengthen local industries, create jobs, and attract foreign investment into key production sectors.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Industry John Owan Enoh said industrialisation remains central to Nigeria’s economic policy because it provides a mechanism for sustainable growth. He explained that “the Programme identifies productive base across priority areas and also identifies core pillars of industrialisation. They are aligned with government drive to foster export-oriented growth and promote inclusive and regionally balanced development.”
He added that the collaboration with UNIDO seeks to build synergy, promote technology transfer, and expand export competitiveness. According to him, “the economy is expanding but production is not and that is where the problem lies which we want to correct.”
UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, highlighted the importance of the new framework. “In Nigeria, the PCP serves as the framework for implementing the industrial development component of the country’s medium-term plan,” he said, noting that the strategy supports national goals to diversify the economy and strengthen industrial productivity.
While inaugurating the National Coordination Body, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said inflation and interest rates are beginning to moderate, creating a mix of opportunities for private investments and economic expansion.
He stated that “the government is already putting together the 2025 to 2030 development plan as Nigeria targets to be a $1trn economy and mobilising jobs in 8,809 wards.”
Bagudu further revealed that “1.2 million dollars has been set aside by the federal government as a commitment to drive the programme.”