Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations in advancing sustainable, democratic governance and regional prosperity.

Foreign affairs minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the United Nations Development Programme regional director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, according to a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson.

Mr Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Ms Eziakonwa on her recent elevation to the position of United Nations assistant secretary-general, describing the appointment as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.

The minister said, “Nigeria firmly supports programmes that promote women’s political participation, leadership development, and youth empowerment. Investing in the next generation of African leaders remains essential to achieving sustainable peace, democratic governance, and inclusive development across the continent.

“Nigeria is committed to working closely with the UN in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Africans.”

Ms Eziakonwa commended Nigeria for its leadership in promoting regional economic integration, describing Nigeria’s active role as indispensable to the success of the African Free Trade Agreement.

She lauded Nigeria’s role in shaping Africa’s development agenda, while expressing UNDP’s readiness to continue supporting the federal government in advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation, as well as policies that strengthen regional value chains and intra-African trade.

She further invited Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu to participate as a mentor and speaker during forthcoming engagements with the programme’s fellows, and in a high-level programme focused on uniting women leaders from across Africa, to strengthen women’s participation in governance and public leadership.

(NAN)