Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment has commended the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for its over $30 million financial Portfolio in Nigeria.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Constance Ikokwu, the Minister’s media Aide, Enelamah made the commendation at the sideline of UNIDO’s 50th Anniversary Expo in Vienna, Austria.
Making the commendation at the event, the Minister who noted that the institution which has the largest cooperation in Africa with Nigeria, has over thirty projects and financial portfolio of over $30m.
“Key among the projects taking place in Nigeria are, renewable energy specifically meant to support industrial activities in the country; projects on trade capacity building; programmes on supporting the environment; and support to special economic zones such as the Staples Crops Processing Zones.
“One of the success stories is located in Taraba State where the Highland Tea Factory made a profit for the first time after 18 years in operation with the installation of a 400Kw small hydro power plant with UNIDO assistance in 2015.
“UNIDO had also recently set up an Investment and Technology Promotion office (ITPO) – the first of its kind in Africa. The objective is to utilize the UNIDO Network across the globe in countries like Japan, China, South Korea and Italy to proactively support investments and technology transfer to Nigeria and the West Africa Region.” Enelamah said.
The Minister also noted the role played by UNIDO in bringing attention to Africa’s need for industrialization at the G20 Summit in Hangzho, China last September, adding that this industrialization push is in line with the explicit goal and agenda 2063 of the African Union
While assuring UNIDO of Nigeria’s continued support, Enelamah further asked to undertake a self evaluation to make sure that it continues to be relevant to the industrialization agenda of member states as well as replicate some of the successes across all the member states
According to the statement, Li Yong, the Director General of UNIDO, in his remarks said that the 50 years anniversary provides the organization an opportunity to reflect on the past.
“It is also an opportunity to chart a new path for a sustainable future. Today, UNIDO is in full gear and stands ready to tirelessly assist countries around the world in eradicating poverty and advancing inclusive and sustainable industrial development,” he stated.
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