The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Africa, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, in audience on Monday, 29th June 2026.
The minister congratulated the Regional Director on her elevation to the position of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, describing the appointment as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.
She commended her distinguished contributions to international development and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the United Nations in advancing sustainable development, democratic governance and regional prosperity.
The meeting reviewed the strong and enduring collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations. It placed particular emphasis on democratic governance, sustainable development, regional integration, and peacebuilding.
Participants also discussed the implementation of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities under the 4-Ds framework: Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.
Ms Eziakonwa briefed the Honourable Minister on the recently concluded regional dialogue on AfCFTA implementation. Nigeria hosted the event in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
She commended Nigeria for its leadership in promoting regional economic integration. She also noted that the country’s active participation is indispensable to the trade agreement’s success.
She further acknowledged Nigeria’s growing role in shaping Africa’s development agenda and expressed UNDP’s readiness to continue supporting the Federal Government in advancing inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and policies that strengthen regional value chains and intra-African trade.
Discussions also focused on initiatives aimed at promoting women’s leadership and youth empowerment across Africa.
