Nigeria is setting the stage for a new era of industrial transformation through a strategic collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) — a partnership designed to fast-track sustainable growth, ignite innovation, and strengthen the country’s role as Africa’s next major manufacturing hub.
Unveiled in Abuja, the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) 2024–2028 carries a total investment package of $175 million, blending public funding, international development support, and private-sector collaboration. The initiative targets deeper industrial integration, energy transition, and inclusive economic expansion across key sectors.
Building Industries That Work for People
Unlike traditional development plans, the PCP acts as a coordinated blueprint that links Nigeria’s industrial ambitions with actionable projects. It focuses on revitalising value chains in agriculture and solid minerals, modernising industrial infrastructure, and advancing the adoption of digital tools and clean energy systems to drive efficiency and competitiveness.
The Federal Government is contributing $25 million—around 14 percent of the total fund—while UNIDO is investing $200,000 to coordinate implementation and mobilise an additional $50 million from international partners.
Driving a Continental Shift
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Ruben Bamidele, UNIDO’s National Programme Officer, described the PCP as “a pivotal leap toward an inclusive and resilient industrial future.” He revealed that UNIDO is already developing six small-scale power projects across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and piloting biomass energy systems in Ebonyi State that turn rice husks into electricity.
He added that ongoing capacity-building initiatives are helping raise the standard of locally made products, ensuring Nigerian goods compete globally rather than being overshadowed under the AfCFTA.
Partnerships That Redefine Progress
For Ambassador Philbert Johnson, UNIDO’s Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the partnership’s strength lies in its unified structure. He noted that the PCP synchronises Nigeria’s industrial policies with UNIDO’s global technical expertise — a synergy he believes will deliver measurable impact in competitiveness, sustainability, and institutional development.
“This framework isn’t just about factories or exports — it’s about creating a system that supports inclusive prosperity and a greener, more resilient industrial base,” Johnson said.
Nigeria’s Vision: A Trillion-Dollar Economy
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, hailed the initiative as a model for multilateral cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s long-term economic vision.
“We are building momentum toward a trillion-dollar economy by 2030,” he said. “Industrialisation and innovation are not optional—they are the foundation of our growth strategy.”
Bagudu confirmed that the Federal Government has already released $1.3 million as part of its initial commitment, noting that Nigeria’s economy is gaining stability as inflation eases and growth projections rise.
A Framework for a Modern Industrial Era
Echoing this optimism, Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, highlighted that the PCP outlines a roadmap anchored on agro-industrial expansion, renewable energy adoption, digital manufacturing, and green innovation.
He said these priorities reflect the government’s “Nigeria-First” industrial policy, which promotes domestic production, balanced regional development, and export-led growth.
Enoh also underscored the establishment of the National Coordination Body (NCB) as a critical oversight mechanism that will ensure collaboration among stakeholders and sustained progress over the programme’s four-year implementation cycle.
Inclusive Industrialisation for the Future
The PCP is Nigeria’s first of its kind, integrating social inclusion, climate responsibility, and technology into a unified strategy for national development. It brings together government agencies, international partners, and local innovators to reshape how industries operate, create jobs, and protect the environment.
Through this partnership, Nigeria and UNIDO are not merely launching a project—they are laying the foundation for a new industrial era, one built on innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
