By Cross Udo, Abuja
The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to aligning development efforts with the Nigerian government through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, UNSDCF, with an estimated annual budget of $800m.
The framework, running from 2023 to 2027, ensures that UN initiatives complement Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP) while addressing key areas such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, social well-being and governance.
A UN Resident Coordinator’s representative, Ms. Thembebile Dube-Ncube, disclosed this in Abuja during the Dialogue for Non-State Actors’ Engagement in implementing the Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCP) in Nigeria.
Dune-Ncube explained that the Cooperation Framework is a whole-of-society approach that requires government, civil society, academia, and the private sector participation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
According to her, the framework’s estimated annual budget of $800 m is sourced from various UN agencies, multilateral donors, and bilateral agreements.
Dune-Ncube said that with Nigeria’s current NDP expiring in 2025, discussions are already underway for a successor plan for 2026-2030.
She added that the UN and government periodically review progress through the National Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the UN Resident Coordinator, ensuring that resources are effectively utilised and aligned with national priorities.
The funding is expected to drive initiatives that promote economic development, climate resilience, gender equality, social cohesion, and governance reforms in Nigeria.
“The reason why we do this is to ensure that what the UN does aligns with what the country needs or what the country is doing. We are not coming as a UN to do our things, but to do development needs in line with government plans or the country’s needs. Therefore, we are cooperating with the government.
“It is a plan that is done to complement the government efforts. And even the signing of the cooperation framework with the government.
“The vision is to leave no one behind, especially the most vulnerable. And that is, all people living in Nigeria contribute to and benefit from inclusive rights-based development that accelerates the achievement of SDGs and Agenda 2030,” she stated.
