Nigeria and the United Nations, UN have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration on sustainable development, democratic governance, regional integration, women’s leadership and youth empowerment across Africa.
The commitment was made during a meeting 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, in Abuja.
During the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Eziakonwa on her appointment as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.
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She commended the UN official’s contributions to international development and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the UN.
“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.
The discussions reviewed existing cooperation between Nigeria and the UN, focusing on democratic governance, sustainable development, peacebuilding and regional integration.
Regional Dialogue
Eziakonwa briefed the minister on the recently concluded regional dialogue on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Nigeria hosted in partnership with the UNDP.
She commended Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional economic integration, noting that the country’s participation remains crucial to the success of the continental trade agreement.
“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 said.
Promoting Women’s Leadership
The meeting also highlighted initiatives aimed at promoting women’s leadership and youth empowerment across Africa.
Eziakonwa outlined the success of the UNDP Regional Leadership Programme, which mentors outstanding young African women through leadership development, networking and engagement with accomplished leaders.
She invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to serve as a mentor and speaker at future sessions of the programme.
According to her, her leadership experience would inspire the next generation of women leaders.
Eziakonwa also invited Odumegwu-Ojukwu to participate in a high-level gathering of African women leaders scheduled for August 2026.
Responding, the minister welcomed the initiatives and reiterated Nigeria’s support for programmes that promote 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,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations and the UNDP to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Africans.
