Fed Govt Teams Up with UNDP to Supercharge ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ Drive and Boost Women’s Role in Power

The Federal Government has moved to “flip the script” on its economic recovery strategy, seeking a high-powered collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to turn policy reforms into actual factory jobs and full plates for Nigerians. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, declared that the administration is ready to leverage the UN’s global expertise to accelerate President Tinubu’s industrialization agenda.

At the heart of this “State of Harmony” between Nigeria and the UNDP is the “Made-in-Nigeria” policy. Gbajabiamila described the initiative as a “Nigeria First” philosophy, aimed at expanding the success of local content beyond the oil sector and into every household product. “The President is passionate about industrialization,” Gbajabiamila stated. “We want to practicalize this and make it work, ensuring that the value chain creates employment and sustainable growth.”

The meeting also tackled the “glass ceiling” in Nigerian politics. The government specifically asked the UNDP to provide a roadmap for increasing the number of women in governance, drawing on successful examples from across Africa. Gbajabiamila noted that the agency’s experience in other countries could help Nigeria achieve a “desired result” in gender inclusion without clashing with local cultural or religious sensibilities.

Responding, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, acknowledged that while Nigeria’s recent reforms have been “bold and consequential,” their ultimate success will be measured by their impact on the average citizen. By focusing on agricultural financing and industrial hubs, the UNDP aims to ensure that the “acceleration” phase of 2026 delivers on the promise of the Renewed Hope agenda. As both parties move to sign new cooperation frameworks, the goal is clear: transforming the Nigerian economy from one that relies on imports to one that produces, employs, and leads the continent.