Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on sustainable development, democratic governance, regional integration, women’s leadership, and youth empowerment across Africa.
The renewed commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Africa and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Ahunna Eziakonwa.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Eziakonwa on her recent appointment, describing it as a milestone achievement for both Nigeria and the African continent.
“Your elevation is a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa. We remain committed to strengthening our long-standing partnership with the United Nations in advancing sustainable development, democratic governance and regional prosperity,” the minister said.
Discussions at the meeting focused on deepening existing cooperation between Nigeria and the UN in key areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and regional economic integration.
Eziakonwa briefed the minister on the outcome of a recently concluded regional dialogue on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Nigeria hosted in collaboration with the UNDP.
She commended Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting regional economic integration, noting that the country remains central to the success of the continental trade framework.
“Nigeria’s active participation is indispensable to the success of the AfCFTA, and the UNDP remains ready to support the Federal Government in advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation and stronger regional value chains,” Eziakonwa stated.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote women’s leadership and youth empowerment across Africa.
Eziakonwa outlined the achievements of the UNDP Regional Leadership Programme, which mentors young African women through leadership development, strategic networking, and engagement with accomplished leaders. She invited the minister to participate as a mentor and speaker in future sessions.
According to her, Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s leadership experience would serve as inspiration for emerging female leaders across the continent.
She further invited the minister to a high-level gathering of African women leaders scheduled for August 2026.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the initiatives and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for programmes that enhance women’s political participation, leadership development, and youth empowerment.
“Investing in the next generation of African leaders remains essential to achieving sustainable peace, democratic governance and inclusive development across the continent,” she said.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations and UNDP in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and other initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across Africa.
