The federal government has launched the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable industrial development across Nigeria.
At the launch on Wednesday in Abuja, the minister of state for industry, Senator John Enoh, pointed out that the PCP aligns with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda under the current leadership to reduce reliance on primary exports and foster a thriving manufacturing sector.
He said, “The PCP signifies a new era of industrial cooperation built on trust, shared vision, and actionable strategies,” adding that “through this initiative, we will tackle systemic bottlenecks, revitalize key industries, and attract private sector investments.”
The launch is in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
A key element aligned to the PCP is the establishment of the Industrial Revitalization Working Group (IRWG), a high-level platform for accelerating industrial reforms.
The programme also focuses on agro-industrial transformation, SME development, digital innovation, and green transition inline with the goals of the Industrial Revolution Working Group which include to drive economic growth and sustainability.
In his speech, the minister of budget and economic planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, affirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the PCP with a $174.6 million budget.
This is as he revealed that the federal government has committed 14.3% in counterpart funding, with UNIDO mobilizing the remainder through partnerships and donor contributions.
He explained that “The PCP is a vital catalyst for job creation, skill development, and technological advancement in line with our National Development Plan.”
UNIDO Director-General Gerd Müller who lauded the partnership as a historic milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and UNIDO, reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and investment facilitation to ensure the program’s success.
Present at the event were government officials, private sector leaders, diplomatic representatives, and development partners from across the globe.
