Wale Edun, Amina Mohammed meet to strengthen Nigeria-UN collaboration for economic growth

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, met with Amina Mohammed, United Nations (UN) deputy secretary-general (DSG), to strengthen Nigeria and UN collaboration for economic development.

In a statement on Friday, Mohammed Manga, the ministry of finance’s director of information and public relations, said the meeting was held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Manga said the meeting focused on using the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to boost Nigeria’s trade and economic relations across the region.

According to the director, the UN aims to strengthen its collaboration with Nigeria on key issues like regional stability, economic growth, and social protection.

“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,” he said.

“The Honourable Minister who received the DSG, Amina Mohammed, along with the Honourable 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.”

The director said the meeting marks significant progress in Nigeria’s partnership with the UN, creating opportunities for enhanced cooperation on key development issues.

Manga added that Nigeria will rely on the UN’s expertise and support to achieve its goals while navigating its development journey.