Nigeria

UNDP Signs MoU with Anambra State …to assist the State achieve human development

The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anambra State to support the government in its efforts to make life better for its people.

The MOU which is a framework for technical assistance to Anambra State in agreed development areas of need is within the context of the FGN/UNDP 7th Country Programme which runs from 2009 – 2012.

Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Obi (left) and UNDP Country Director, and Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Turhan Saleh

Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Obi signed on behalf of his government while UNDP Country Director, and Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Turhan Saleh, signed for the world body.

Governor Peter Obi, speaking at the occasion said, “This is a historic occasion and what we are doing today shows our commitment to the turnaround of Anambra State. I am grateful to UNDP for supporting the State’s resolve to be an engine of growth for the country.”

In his remarks, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Mr. Turhan Saleh thanked Governor for coming and said, ‘We are happy to resume programme support with Anambra State. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with the State.”

Under the terms of the MoU, UNDP will support Anambra state government in four programme areas, viz: economic governance, capacity for governance, private sector development and sustainability and risk management programmes.

The Economic Governance Programme will focus on enabling the adoption of an inclusive development planning system, the generation of up-to-date data for economic and development planning and progress towards the implementation of fiscal responsibility laws.

Under the Capacity for Governance Programme, UNDP will support the State in its effort to increase popular participation in governance, build more open and responsive public institutions, entrench procurement reform, and strengthen the performance of local governance systems.

The Private Sector Development Programme will support the State to scale up access to
affordable and renewable energy, develop and expand value chains in agriculture and agro-industries as well as assist in development of small and medium enterprises.

The Sustainability and Risk Management Programme will focus on environmental concerns and efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, as well as assistance to formulate, implement and coordinate gender sensitive policies and plans to strengthen the state’s response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Another area of focus may be on conflict prevention, management and peace building.

During the four-year duration of the MoU, UNDP and the Anambra State Government will be spending a total amount of US$4.683 million financed on a 50-50 basis