By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Managing Director of the North East Development Commission NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, has received the Portfolio Adviser of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Innocent Fred Ejolu, at the commission’s headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Ejolu, who was welcomed by the MD and other senior officials, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between UNDP and regional development institutions. He highlighted UNDP’s commitment to transitioning from individual projects to a more integrated, portfolio-based approach that addresses systemic development challenges in the North East.
During his address, Ejolu emphasised the need to accelerate recovery efforts and enhance regional development initiatives. He commended Nigeria’s new Ministry of Regional Development, describing it as a strategic platform for advancing economic transformation. He also pointed out key areas of opportunity, including energy, digital economy, industrial production, and infrastructure development.
Ejolu also noted that UNDP has been working closely with state governments, the private sector, and civil society to unlock development financing, leveraging resources from international institutions and Nigeria’s robust private sector. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, citing the North East and South East Development Commissions as models for driving sustainable growth.
In his response, MD NEDC, Mohammed Goni Alkali, expressed appreciation for UNDP’s support in the implementation of the North East Master Plan. He acknowledged UNDP’s contributions in legal aid assistance and strategic project funding, emphasizing the importance of structured collaboration to maximize regional development efforts.
Alkali highlighted that the commission is already ahead in its implementation strategies and called for the formation of specialized teams to refine and execute targeted interventions. He reiterated the NEDC’s commitment to working with UNDP and other development partners to advance economic recovery, poverty reduction, and infrastructure development in the region.
COV/BBW
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