The Regional Development Ministry is partnering with the European Union to enhance security, provide training and empowerment, and improve basic amenities across the six geopolitical zones.
The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Mr Momoh stated that the EU has been instrumental in supporting various regions and that discussions have been extensive regarding potential areas of cooperation and assistance to help the Ministry fulfil its mandates.
“The EU has been actively engaged in the Niger Delta, particularly during the amnesty programme, and their efforts continue in that area,” he noted.
“With the new Commissions in place and the Ministry transitioning to a Ministry of Regional Development, we are also exploring how to prioritise development across the regions,” he added.
Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, also expressed gratitude to the EU Ambassador and his team for their developmental initiatives in Nigeria over the years.
“We are optimistic about the future of our relationship with the EU and other development partners in Nigeria, which will complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu,” he remarked.
In his comments, Mr Mignot explained that the purpose of the visit was to devise strategies for collaboration with federal and state governments, as well as other donors, to promote regional development.
He highlighted that the EU has numerous projects in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, underscoring the importance of raising mutual awareness of these initiatives.
“I have come here with my team for our first working meeting with the Ministers of Regional Development, as the development of the six geopolitical zones is crucial under the New York Agenda.
“For the EU, which has a long-standing partnership with Nigeria, collaboration with both federal and state governments is essential.
“It is vital to mutually raise awareness of our projects and explore how we can coordinate our efforts,” he stated.
Mr Mignot identified the EU’s priorities in Nigeria as encompassing the green economy, digital economy, agricultural value chains, and health.
