Minister Laments Delay in Implementing UNIDO Programme

By James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum has lamented the delay in the kick-off of the Nigeria-United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Country Programme (CP) 2018-2022.

But she noted that though a lot of time had been lost prior to the commencement, the federal government would work to ensure that the desired results are still achieved within the project stipulated period.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Steering and Programme Coordinating Committees for the project, Katagum, who chairs the body said it would move fast in ensuring timely and effective implementation as enshrined in the country programme.

She therefore urged members to put in their best to enable Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the programme, particularly in areas where it has competitive and comparative advantages, in line with the diversification agenda of the federal government.

The minister, in a statement issued by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information, Mr. Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, also thanked the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, for the confidence reposed in the committee to deliver on the project.

Katagum, further vowed that the committees will bring their wealth of experience and technical expertise to bear on the national assignment which is expected to positively impact on Nigerians now and in the future.

She said: “We, as a committee, will move fast to ensure timely implementation of the programs and projects, as enshrined in the Country Programme.

“Let me at this point congratulate other members of the steering and programme coordinating committees and assure them of my leadership and cooperation, in the effective implementation of the Nigeria UNIDO Country Programme 2018 – 2022”.

The minister pointed out that the expectations of the ministry in the programme are enormous and understandable, especially in terms of technical cooperation, as well as enhancing industrial competitiveness, market access, innovation and investment promotion.

He urged UNIDO to come up with an action plan for each of the thematic groupings, with assigned responsibilities.