Embassy of Japan in Nigeria Welcomes New UNIDO Representative to the Sub-Regional Office in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Explores Enhanced Cooperation
2025/11/27
【Embassy of Japan in Nigeria Welcomes New UNIDO Representative to the Sub-Regional Office in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Explores Enhanced Cooperation】
On 27 August 2025, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo received H.E. Ambassador Philbert Johnson, newly appointed UNIDO Representative to the Sub-Regional Office in Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria. Ambassador Johnson, a career diplomat with 30 years of experience who assumed office on 9 June 2025, extended warm greetings and expressed gratitude for Japan's longstanding support to UNIDO's initiatives in Nigeria.
Ambassador Johnson outlined recent milestones, including the signing of the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) with the Government of Nigeria on 2 April 2025 and the Industrial Development Fund (IDF) agreement on 3 July 2025, representing a total contribution of nearly USD 174 million. He emphasized the PCP's focus on strengthening industrial policy and strategic governance, fostering start-ups, establishing special economic zones for diversification, enhancing value chain addition (currently at just 0.5% in Nigeria compared to 12% globally, promoting renewable energy through solar and hydroelectric sources, and improving market access aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
The discussion highlighted opportunities to revive key Nigerian industries such as automobile, steel, textile, mining, and agriculture, while integrating the private sector and exploring innovative solutions like 3D-printed housing for health and broader industrial applications. Ambassador Johnson expressed hope for Japan's continued backing to ensure the PCP's success and invited Japanese businesses to participate actively.
Ambassador Suzuki commended the success of UNIDO's prior and ongoing projects, funded by the Government of Japan. He affirmed Japan's enthusiasm for strengthening its partnership with UNIDO to advance sustainable industrial development in Nigeria.
The meeting reinforced the robust commitment of both Japan and UNIDO to deepen partnerships, driving inclusive growth and innovation in Nigeria's industrial landscape.
On 27 August 2025, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo received H.E. Ambassador Philbert Johnson, newly appointed UNIDO Representative to the Sub-Regional Office in Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria. Ambassador Johnson, a career diplomat with 30 years of experience who assumed office on 9 June 2025, extended warm greetings and expressed gratitude for Japan's longstanding support to UNIDO's initiatives in Nigeria.
Ambassador Johnson outlined recent milestones, including the signing of the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) with the Government of Nigeria on 2 April 2025 and the Industrial Development Fund (IDF) agreement on 3 July 2025, representing a total contribution of nearly USD 174 million. He emphasized the PCP's focus on strengthening industrial policy and strategic governance, fostering start-ups, establishing special economic zones for diversification, enhancing value chain addition (currently at just 0.5% in Nigeria compared to 12% globally, promoting renewable energy through solar and hydroelectric sources, and improving market access aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
The discussion highlighted opportunities to revive key Nigerian industries such as automobile, steel, textile, mining, and agriculture, while integrating the private sector and exploring innovative solutions like 3D-printed housing for health and broader industrial applications. Ambassador Johnson expressed hope for Japan's continued backing to ensure the PCP's success and invited Japanese businesses to participate actively.
Ambassador Suzuki commended the success of UNIDO's prior and ongoing projects, funded by the Government of Japan. He affirmed Japan's enthusiasm for strengthening its partnership with UNIDO to advance sustainable industrial development in Nigeria.
The meeting reinforced the robust commitment of both Japan and UNIDO to deepen partnerships, driving inclusive growth and innovation in Nigeria's industrial landscape.