By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and the United Nations have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on Africa’s development, democratic governance, women’s leadership and regional economic integration following high-level talks in Abuja.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the Regional Director for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ahunna Eziakonwa, on Monday, where both sides reviewed the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United Nations and explored fresh areas of collaboration. 
During the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated Eziakonwa on her appointment as a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing the elevation as a milestone for both Nigeria and Africa.
“Your appointment is a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent. It reflects your distinguished contributions to international development, and Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations in advancing sustainable development, democratic governance and regional prosperity,” the minister said.
The discussions focused on democratic governance, sustainable development, regional integration and peacebuilding, while also reviewing Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities under the government’s 4-Ds framework of Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora.
Briefing the minister, Eziakonwa highlighted the outcome of the recently concluded regional dialogue on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which Nigeria hosted in partnership with the UNDP.
She lauded Nigeria’s leadership in advancing regional economic integration and stressed that the country’s role remains central to the success of the continental trade agreement.
“Nigeria’s leadership in promoting regional economic integration is commendable. The country’s active participation is indispensable to the success of the AfCFTA.
“Nigeria continues to play a growing role in shaping Africa’s development agenda, and UNDP stands ready to support the Federal Government in advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and policies that strengthen regional value chains and intra-African trade,” Eziakonwa said.
The meeting also spotlighted efforts to expand opportunities for women and young people across the continent.
Eziakonwa outlined the achievements of the UNDP Regional Leadership Programme, which mentors promising young African women through leadership development, networking and engagement with accomplished leaders. She invited the foreign minister to serve as a mentor and speaker for future cohorts, saying her experience in public service would inspire the next generation of female leaders.
She also invited Odumegwu-Ojukwu to participate in a high-level gathering of African women leaders scheduled for August.
Responding, the minister welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for programmes that expand women’s participation in politics and leadership while creating opportunities for young people.
“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,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the United Nations and the UNDP to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Both parties also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasising that stronger multilateral cooperation, resilient institutions, inclusive governance and innovative partnerships remain critical to addressing Africa’s evolving development challenges.
