Nigeria, UNIDO Sign Landmark Agreement to Revolutionize Industrial Sector

Min. of State (Industry) FMITI, Sen. John Owan Enoh (right), Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning (left) and the DG, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Mr Gred Muller (middle) during the signing of the Nigeria Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) in Abuja.

“The PCP signifies a new era of industrial cooperation built on trust, shared vision, and actionable strategies,” remarked Senator Enoh. “Through this initiative, we will tackle systemic bottlenecks, revitalize key industries, and attract private sector investments.” Senator Enoh.

"The journey ahead demands collaboration and resilience as we move from potential to productivity." Amb Nura Abba Rimi Perm Secretary FMITI 

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), on Wednesday in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, officially launched the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP). 

This partnership between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and UNIDO, described as transformative, is set to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial development across Nigeria.

At the signing ceremony, Senator John Owan Enoh, Honourable Minister of state for Industry, highlighted the alignment of the PCP with Nigeria's economic reform agenda under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that the partnership aims to reduce reliance on primary exports and foster a thriving manufacturing sector.

“The PCP signifies a new era of industrial cooperation built on trust, shared vision, and actionable strategies,” remarked Senator Enoh. “Through this initiative, we will tackle systemic bottlenecks, revitalize key industries, and attract private sector investments.”

A key element aligned to the PCP is the establishment of the Industrial Revitalization Working Group (IRWG), a high-level platform for accelerating industrial reforms. The PCP's thematic focus areas—agro-industrial transformation, SME development, digital innovation, and green transition—align with the IRWG’s objectives to drive economic growth and sustainability.

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, affirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the PCP with a $174.6 million budget. The Nigerian government has committed 14.3% in counterpart funding, with UNIDO mobilizing the remainder through partnerships and donor contributions.

“The PCP is a vital catalyst for job creation, skill development, and technological advancement in line with our National Development Plan,” stated Senator Bagudu.

UNIDO Director-General Mr. Gerd Müller lauded the partnership as a historic milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and UNIDO. He reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and investment facilitation to ensure the program's success.

The ceremony brought together government officials, private sector leaders, diplomatic representatives, and development partners from across the globe. Donor nations, including Japan and Germany, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria's industrialization vision.

Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, emphasizing the Ministry's commitment to delivering measurable economic outcomes. “The journey ahead demands collaboration and resilience as we move from potential to productivity,” he concluded.

With the PCP now underway, Nigeria stands at the threshold of a new industrial era, ready to unlock opportunities, attract investments, and lead Africa’s industrial renaissance. 

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Adebayo Thomas, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment FMITI