Connect with us

International

UN Offers to Assist Nigeria to Achieve SDGs

Published

on

UN Offers to Assist Nigeria to Achieve SDGs

By: Michael Mike

United Nations has offered to Nigerian government several transformative initiatives that will help Nigerians be better equipped to face the challenges ahead and to ensure that no one gets left behind in the push towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale gave the promise at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru Plateau State, while addressing participants in the Senior Executive Course (SEC) No. 45, on Thursday.

A statement on Friday signed by the National Information Officer, UN Information Centre (UNIC), Dr. Oluseyi Soremekun read that: “In view of Nigeria lagging in achieving the SDGs, the UN is proposing several transformative initiatives that would accelerate the achievement of the 2030 development agenda, according to the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale.”

Schmale was quoted to have said: “We are offering to Government several transformative initiatives that will help Nigerians be better equipped to face the challenges ahead and to ensure that no one gets left behind as we do so.”

Schmale explained that amongst other important matters, the initiatives focused on transforming education and ensuring that all children have access to quality learning; getting as many people, especially women and young people, into decent employment; transforming Nigeria’s food systems for improved food and nutrition security; moving towards strengthened and more accountable governance; and overcoming the national state of emergency created by violence against women and girls; among others.

Schmale said: “The UN does not hold the keys to sustainable development in Nigeria.”

He spoke further, “Our role is a supportive one, and what we bring to the table is convening power and mobilising relevant knowledge and expertise from around the globe. The ultimate change agents are Nigerians themselves notably including people responsible for making and implementing policies.”

Speaking on the theme, “Industrialization, Energy Security and Climate Change in Nigeria: Issues Challenges and Prospects”, the UN Resident Coordinator observed that while Nigeria’s industrial strategy, which focused on protecting local industry, had to some extent “worked” to sustain the domestic industries, the industrial sector has not sustainably “grown” to create the kind of jobs and improvement in livelihoods that Nigeria needed.

Schmale identified three things that needed to happen for successful industrialization. The first is to agree an explicit strategy for managing the impact of industrialisation, from energy sources to material resources and waste management, and how to manage these in a sustainable manner.

The other two, according to him, were to pursue a realistic and just energy transition away from oil and gas; and to get the balance right between the roles for both the private and public sectors. Government must create a more conducive business and investment environment in which the private sector can flourish and be the engine of sustainable development.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Institute, Professor Ayo Omotayo, noted that an industrialised Nigeria would generate more employment and increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. He therefore called upon the course to develop a strategy and pathways towards ensuring a 12% GDP annual growth rate for Nigeria in the next five years.

He called on all participants to look back and reflect on what they could do to change the fortune of Nigeria. “We are training you as champions of change in Nigeria”, he said.

Omotayo charged them to double their efforts and find the right energy to propel change. “Do it for the poor people of Nigeria; Do it for the young people who are just coming out of the universities; Do it for humanity and for the benefit of mankind.” He added.

UN Offers to Assist Nigeria to Achieve SDGs

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

International

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

Published

on

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

By: Zagazola Makama

The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and military-technical cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to promote peace, sovereignty and stability across the African continent.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa and other officials, a Russian envoy described Nigeria as a strategic and promising partner, noting its position as the most populous country in Africa and a key regional player.

“We consider the Federal Republic of Nigeria a promising partner on the African continent. You are the largest country, and we support the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to strengthen national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and ensure regional security,” the envoy said.

He expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s willingness to pursue constructive cooperation with Russia in the areas of military and defence technology.

“We positively assess your commitment to fruitful cooperation with our country in military and military-technical spheres,” he added.

The Russian official called for an open discussion on current defence priorities, pledging continued support to Nigeria and other African partners.

In his response, Gen Musa, appreciated them for their support and commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for inviting him and his for the 80th victory parade.

He also appreciated them for the donation of weapons and drones to boost the campaign against terrorism within Nigeria and the Sahel Region

“Today, we discuss the most relevant issues of cooperation between our defence ministries. We value our friendship with Russia and deeply appreciate all the assistance Russia has provided assistance that has often been critical for many countries,” he said.

He praised Russia’s reliability and action-oriented diplomacy, saying, “You don’t just make promises, you fulfil them. Everyone knows Russia works for the good of peace and stability.”said General Musa.

The meeting, attended by top defence officials from both countries, is expected to yield agreements that will boost training, logistics, arms supply and intelligence-sharing in the fight against terrorism.

Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation

Continue Reading

International

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

Published

on

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.

“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.

“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”

Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor

Continue Reading

International

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

Published

on

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.

The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.

The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.

“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”

The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.

“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”

Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights