The United Nations’ Assistant Secretary-General, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa has praised the Nigerian government and National Assembly for allocating $200 million to healthcare in Nigeria.
This commendation came in response to the withdrawal of funding assistance by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking at a meeting in Lagos with a delegation from the House of Representatives, led by Deputy Speaker Mr Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Eziakonwa described Nigeria’s action as a precedent for the continent.
Eziakonwa also serves as the African Regional Director for the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.
She highlighted that by bridging the funding gap, Nigeria has demonstrated leadership by prioritising domestic solutions to improve the lives of its citizens rather than relying solely on foreign donors.
Eziakonwa said; “When I was in New York, I received the news that USAID had withdrawn funding from Nigeria, which supports a significant portion of the health sector.
“The Assembly convened and voted $200 million to fill the gap. I felt proud as a Nigerian because this is what governance is about. You cannot outsource the health of your population; it is essential for securing the future.
“While other countries were panicking, with headlines in the New York Times reporting deaths due to the withdrawal, Nigeria stood firm and said, ‘We’ve got this.’ That is leadership.”
“So, I commend the National Assembly. This is Nigeria leading by example, and every African country should follow suit, prioritising the lives of their people. It is our responsibility to ensure our citizens do not die unnecessarily,” she said.
Gender Equality
In response to the Deputy Speaker’s request for strategic partnerships, particularly concerning constitutional reforms, gender bills, seat reservations, and political inclusion, Eziakonwa, accompanied by UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative Ms Elsie G. Attafuah, affirmed the UNDP’s support.
Great engagement with Rt. Hon. @OfficialBenKalu Dep. Speaker of the Hse of Representatives & our @UNDPAfrica Regional Dir. @ahunnaeziakonwa
Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to advance women’s participation in politics & governance, peacebuilding among many. pic.twitter.com/R4UNV35r23
— UNDP Nigeria (@UNDPNigeria) April 13, 2025
She emphasised the importance of gender equality, especially in the face of global challenges.
“This is the first time I have been approached by the leadership of the National Assembly. It speaks volumes about the breadth and depth of your vision for the Assembly and its purpose.
“Everything you have said resonates deeply with me, from your efforts to bring more women into political leadership. What you are championing is close to my heart and aligns with UNDP’s mission. I congratulate you for being a ‘He for She.’
“As a Nigerian woman, I feel embarrassed when I consider the representation of women in our political landscape compared to the rest of Africa.
“I often think Nigeria should know better. With our population, it is delusional to believe progress can be achieved without women in decision-making and leadership roles.
“Every African country must recognise the urgency of the times. If you are advocating for gender equality and empowerment, it must be framed within the context of the challenges nations face today.
“The countries that will thrive are those that take gender equality seriously. The issues we face cannot be addressed by men alone. We need both men and women at the table, bringing diverse perspectives to the discussion. UNDP is already involved with initiatives that I believe will make a significant difference.
“As Deputy Speaker, I urge you to encourage your members to understand the fundamental importance of artificial intelligence for the future of development. Investments in this technology, particularly in education, are crucial.
“We are fully aligned with your initiatives, and I am encouraged by what you and the Speaker are already doing. We look forward to major announcements regarding the women’s reservation bill and to supporting your efforts globally,” Eziakonwa assured.
Deputy Speaker Kalu, in his presentation, highlighted the progress made in the constitutional review process and areas for collaboration with the UNDP, including advancing women’s participation in politics and governance, peacebuilding, capacity development, and civic education.
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He commended the UNDP for its invaluable contributions to sustainable development across Nigeria, Africa, and the world, while also applauding Eziakonwa’s exemplary work as a Nigerian making a global impact.
Kalu stated, “Nigeria’s democracy cannot reach its full potential without deliberate efforts to ensure equitable participation by women, youth, and marginalised groups in governance.
“The House of Representatives recognises that women remain significantly underrepresented at all levels of governance, despite their critical role in nation-building.
“The ongoing constitutional review process presents a unique opportunity to dismantle structural barriers limiting women’s participation.
“Through our Constitution Review Committees, the National Assembly is considering progressive amendments to promote gender equity, including expanding women’s representation in both appointed and elected positions, instituting quotas in legislative seats at federal and state levels, eliminating biased clauses in the Constitution and electoral laws, and building robust, gender-responsive frameworks for inclusive governance.
“We welcome UNDP’s continuous technical assistance, advisory support, and comparative insights from countries that have successfully implemented constitutional gender reforms.
“There is a clear need to jointly strengthen advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building for legislators, political parties, and women leaders.
“We request UNDP’s partnership with our Constitution Review Committee on the upcoming Summit on Security Architecture, which will include a study tour to relevant countries to integrate international best practices into our reform agenda.
“We also request UNDP’s support for an intervention project tailored to the South East. This project would adapt UNDP’s integrated community peacebuilding and recovery approach—previously applied in the North-East—to promote social stability and security, addressing the region’s unique post-conflict challenges,” Kalu said.
It is worth noting that a bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, seeking seat reservations for women in parliament to increase their participation in governance, is currently before the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
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