UNDP and PIND Unite to Drive Regional Development and Investment in Niger Delta
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have officially solidified a strategic partnership aimed at advancing integrated, scalable development and investment solutions across the Niger Delta. This collaboration is anchored under the Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), marking a significant shift from fragmented interventions to comprehensive, multi-sector portfolios.
Formalizing the Partnership Through a Memorandum of Understanding
In a ceremony held in Lagos, key representatives from both organizations gathered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Attendees included Mr. James Ebube, Business Development Manager of PIND; Dr. Effiong Essien, Programmes Director of PIND; Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, Executive Director of PIND; Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria; and Mr. William Tsuma, Head of UNDP Nigeria’s Innovation Centre. This MoU establishes a joint platform for designing, financing, and implementing investment-ready development solutions, integrating policy, delivery, and financing into a coherent system.
Leveraging Expertise for Sustainable Impact
UNDP will contribute its global development expertise, policy advisory capabilities, and investment mobilisation platforms, while PIND brings over fifteen years of experience in regional partnerships, peacebuilding, and programme implementation in the Niger Delta. The partnership focuses on key thematic areas such as clean and renewable energy solutions for underserved communities, community resilience, MSME growth, trade facilitation, innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, and data-driven development. It also emphasizes conflict-sensitive programming to ensure stability supports economic opportunities.
Statements from Leadership on the Collaboration
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of integrated approaches, stating, "By combining UNDP’s global experience with PIND’s deep regional knowledge, we are strengthening our ability to deliver solutions that are scalable, inclusive, and responsive to local realities, while unlocking pathways for investment and long-term impact." Mr. Sam Ogbemi Daibo, Executive Director of PIND, added, "Together with UNDP, we are well-positioned to scale solutions that are locally grounded, investment-ready, and capable of delivering lasting impact across the Niger Delta."
Future Steps and Expected Outcomes
The MoU provides a framework for ongoing cooperation, enabling joint design, implementation, and scaling of development programmes while mobilising partnerships across government, private sector, civil society, and development finance institutions. Following the signing, both institutions will advance a three-year joint programme document, activate a Joint Technical Working Group, and identify initial investment-ready programme pipelines. This partnership is expected to evolve into a multi-state, multi-partner platform, contributing to Nigeria’s efforts to drive inclusive growth, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
