The Federal Government has unveiled the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation’s first global technology and investment promotion office in Nigeria.
The establishment of the office which is the first in Africa is as a result of negotiations between the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and the UNIDO Director General, Mr. Li Yong, in June 2014 on the desirability of establishing the office in Nigeria.
While speaking at the inauguration, Aganga said “Today, we are making history as we inaugurate the first TIPO in Africa. This is a sign of UNIDO’s confidence in the Nigerian economy and the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan. In June 2014, I officially requested UNIDO’s contribution to the implementation of the NIRP and the National Enterprise Development Programme by setting up an investment and technology promotion office in Nigeria. I am delighted that that request has been granted and it is one of my many parting gifts to my country.
“The long term objective of Nigeria ITPO is to drive the process for rapid industrial development, create jobs and expand the industrial base of Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.”
UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and the ECOWAS and Director of its Regional Office, Dr. Patrick Kormawa added that “Today marks another milestone of our collaboration with Nigeria as a trusted partner for over the past 40 years with the inauguration of the ITPO, the first of its kind in Africa.
“In June 2014, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, officially requested UNIDO to support Nigeria’s industrialisation drive by setting up an investment and technology promotion office in Nigeria.
“The goal is to assist Nigeria in promoting both inward and domestic investments as well as technology transfer as a means to expand and diversify local manufacturing sector.”