Nigeria, UN Meet to Strengthen Regional Stability, Economic Growth

Nigeria, UN Meet to Strengthen Regional Stability, Economic Growth

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

As part of efforts towards strengthening bilateral cooperation and accelerating Nigeria’s development agenda, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG), Amina Mohammed, met with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, which highlights the UN’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria, addressed critical issues including regional stability, economic growth, and social protection.

The discussions focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to enhance Nigeria’s trade and economic relations across the region.

They also addressed strategies for improving food security, strengthening social protection systems to meet the socio-economic needs of Nigerians, and identifying ways the UN can mobilize its resources and expertise to support the country’s development goals.

Edun, who received the DSG, Amina Mohammed, along with the Minister of State Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite

expressed gratitude to the DSG for her sustained engagement with Nigeria. He detailed progress in the administration’s social safety programmes, particularly the digitalization of its Direct Benefit Transfers initiative to enhance efficiency and transparency.

He also highlighted advancements in agriculture, noting improvements in wet and dry season farming as a result of targeted government support.

The DSG was accompanied by a high-level UN delegation, including Leonardo Simão, UN Special Representative; Sa’adatu Shuaibu, UN Political Affairs Officer; Zubaida Mahmoud, UN Representative; and Sergio Mate, UN Special Assistant.

(L-R) Leonardo Simão, UN Special Representative, Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG), Wale Edun, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.