By Mercy Aikoye
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commended Nigeria’s government and National Assembly for voting $200 million for healthcare in Nigeria. This praise follows the withdrawal of funding assistance by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP’s African Regional Director and United Nations Assistant Secretary General, made the commendation during a meeting with a House of Representatives delegation led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu in Lagos.
Eziakonwa stated that Nigeria’s action sets a precedent on the continent, demonstrating leadership in looking inward to improve the lives of its people rather than relying solely on foreign donors. She expressed pride in Nigeria’s decision, saying, “When in New York, I got the news that when USAID withdrew funding from Nigeria…the Assembly sat down and voted 200 million dollars to fill the gap. I felt proud as a Nigerian, because that’s what makes good governance.”
During the meeting, Deputy Speaker Kalu sought a strategic partnership with UNDP on ongoing constitutional reforms, gender bills, seat reservation, and political inclusion. Eziakonwa affirmed UNDP’s support, highlighting the importance of gender equality, especially in times of global challenges. A bill seeking seat reservation for women in parliament to increase their participation in governance, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, is currently before the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
Eziakonwa emphasized the need for gender equality, stating, “Every country on this African continent needs to take in the urgency of the times…The countries that will be able to survive this are those that take gender equality seriously.” She praised the Deputy Speaker for championing the inclusion of more women in political leadership, saying, “I want to congratulate you for being a He for She.”
The UNDP official also urged the Deputy Speaker to move his members to understand the fundamental importance of AI to the future of development, encouraging investments in this technology at all levels, including schools.
Deputy Speaker Kalu emphasized the progress made in the constitutional review process and areas for collaboration with UNDP, including advancing women’s participation in politics and governance, peacebuilding, capacity development, and civic education.
Kalu commended UNDP for their invaluable contributions to sustainable development across various sectors of Nigeria, Africa, and the world, while also applauding Eziakonwa’s outstanding work as an exemplary Nigerian making global impacts.
The House of Representatives and UNDP have identified key areas of collaboration, including promoting gender equity, expanding women’s representation in appointed and elected positions, and eliminating biased clauses in the Constitution and electoral laws.
The UNDP has pledged to partner with the Constitution Review Committee on the upcoming Summit on Security Architecture and support an intervention project tailored to the South East, adapting its integrated community peacebuilding and recovery approach to promote social stability and security.
The meeting marked a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian government and UNDP on key issues, including healthcare funding, constitutional reforms, and gender equality. With UNDP’s support, Nigeria is poised to make meaningful progress in these areas, setting a positive example for other African countries.
