Niger State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the African Union Development Agency–New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to promote socio-economic growth in the state and across Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago made this known when he received a delegation from the agency, led by its National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Jabiru Salisu, at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Bago, who appreciated the delegation for the visit, assured them of his administration’s support in achieving AUDA-NEPAD’s development objectives.
He also congratulated the National Coordinator on his appointment and commended him for assembling a team made up of professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The Governor emphasized the importance of adopting the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), describing it as a crucial tool for evaluating governance and development performance.
He noted that Nigeria’s failure to fully implement the mechanism has contributed to some smaller African countries surpassing it in key sectors such as agriculture.
He urged AUDA-NEPAD to encourage the application of the peer review system to accelerate progress and support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
In his remarks, AUDA-NEPAD National Coordinator Jabiru Salisu said the delegation was also in Minna to commiserate with the governor over the death of the father of Abdullahi Yunusa, a close associate of Governor Bago and Special Assistant on Special Duties to the AUDA-NEPAD National Coordinator.
Salisu commended Governor Bago’s developmental efforts across Niger State and expressed the agency’s willingness to partner with his administration to enhance growth and prosperity.
He further announced that approval has been granted for Niger State to host the AUDA-NEPAD North Central Zonal Office.
He also praised the governor for his commitment to job creation and improving the livelihoods of residents in the state.
