Nigeria has called on the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to channel greater resources under the African Demographic Dividend Programme and other development initiatives to the country, citing its large youth population and commitment to inclusive growth.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the appeal during a bilateral meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Her Excellency Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting held July 27-28 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with AUDA-NEPAD to unlock economic opportunities, strengthen communities and promote sustainable development.
She also urged the Agency to prioritise women empowerment, private sector development and closer collaboration with its National Focal Office in Abuja. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended AUDA-NEPAD for mobilising $100 million for the African Demographic Dividend Programme and praised the leadership of Ms. Bekele-Thomas in advancing the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. She reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding support for the Agency and pledged the country’s continued voluntary contributions to its development programmes.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Ms. Bekele-Thomas reaffirmed AUDA-NEPAD’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities, expressing optimism about deepening collaboration to create economic opportunities, strengthen communities and advance the goals of Agenda 2063.