The Nigerian government has expressed interest in collaborating with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to promote industrialisation and tackle the issue of unemployment in the country.
During a meeting held in Abuja, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, welcomed UNIDO’s offer to partner with the ministry. He stressed the importance of creating an industrialisation roadmap that will generate more employment opportunities in the marine and blue economy sector, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for national development.
Minister Oyetola highlighted UNIDO’s significant role in driving sustainable economic growth in other regions. Drawing from his personal experience as the former chief of administration and governor of Osun State, he commended the successful collaborations between various states in Nigeria and UNIDO.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasizing its focus on job creation and efficient resource utilization. He emphasized the importance of developing industrial zones that prioritize quality assurance to ensure Nigerian products are competitive on the global market.
The Minister explained that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and expressed willingness to collaborate with UNIDO in areas that will benefit the citizens of Nigeria. He also highlighted that food security is a top priority for the current administration, and the Ministry is ready to contribute significantly in this regard.
Minister Oyetola urged UNIDO to invest in the fishing industry and promised that the necessary measures would be taken to protect those involved in fishing and marine resource harvesting. He also emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fostering technological and entrepreneurial development for socio-economic growth and creating opportunities for institutions to thrive.
Speaking earlier, UNIDO’s Ambassador to ECOWAS and Regional Director of the Nigeria Office, Jean Bakole, emphasized the importance of supporting projects in technical assistance, research, statistics, agro-industry, and innovation. These areas, he said, are crucial for job creation, production, manufacturing, and the effective management of marine waste.
Bakole further highlighted UNIDO’s commitment to providing unique services and fostering partnerships for entrepreneurs, business institutions, investors, and technology suppliers, enabling them to expand their networks globally.
The partnership between Nigeria and UNIDO marks an important step towards driving industrialisation, reducing unemployment, and promoting sustainable economic development in the country. This collaboration holds the potential to transform Nigeria into a global economic powerhouse while ensuring environmental sustainability and creating job opportunities for its citizens.
