In line with the commitment of the Federal Government’s fight against poverty and unemployment in the country, the United Nations (UN) has expressed its readiness to support and promote equitable and sustainable growth in Nigeria.
Speaking at an interactive forum organised by New Nigeria Foundation and Consensus Building Institute, a non-profit organisation in Lagos on Tuesday, UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Miss Fatma Samoura, said the global body will pursue together with its national partners, especially the government, an economic diversification programme that elevates agriculture, non-oil manufacturing, solid minerals and the service sectors, shifting emphasis and attention to higher value adding activities, whilst reducing reliance on volatile commodity exports such as oil and gas.
“We will also focus on youth education and skills development. For the poor and vulnerable and to ensure that ‘no one is left behind and that the farthest behind are reached first’, we will promote social protection while at the same time advocating for budgetary reforms to ensure increased allocations to the social sectors, especially education and health.
“Due attention will also be accorded to the development of green growth plans, including the promotion of sustainable production and consumption. Such plans she said will help to improve the investment climate for the private sector to engage in sustainable activities and provide for sanctions against environmentally destructive behaviours,” she said.
According to her, UN may not be a major player, in terms of resources, in the development process of the country, but however, remains a trusted partner to the government and honest broker, bringing to bear vast experiences, proven ideas and enormous expertise gleaned from across the globe and over several decades and in diverse contexts, to bear on the development process.
