Insecurity: UNDP backs Northeast on security, development plan to tackle insecurity

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has committed to supporting the six states of Nigeria's North-East region in their efforts to bolster security and establish a comprehensive regional policy framework. This initiative aims to tackle pressing issues of insecurity, poverty, and other socio-economic challenges confronting the area.

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As the UN, we are supporting the government in all its development efforts. Our major mandate in this area is to support the Ministry of Regional Development to develop a robust and inclusive regional development policy that will address the needs of the people.

The pledge was made during a Regional Technical Workshop on the National Regional Development Policy 2026–2030, held in Maiduguri, Borno State. Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, stated that the organization would continue to assist the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and regional development commissions in crafting inclusive policies tailored to community needs. Attafuah, represented by UNDP official Matthew Alao, emphasized that the workshop was part of a broader effort to help the ministry develop a robust policy aligned with global standards.

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As the Managing Director of the North-East Development Commission said, as they are recalibrating their master plan, we are also going to be there to ensure that this is inclusive in addressing the needs of the people.

"As the UN, we are supporting the government in all its development efforts. Our major mandate in this area is to support the Ministry of Regional Development to develop a robust and inclusive regional development policy that will address the needs of the people," Attafuah said. The UNDP also plans to support the North-East Development Commission in refining its development blueprint to ensure it reflects the aspirations of the region's communities. The goal is to make the entire region, encompassing Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, among the safest in Nigeria.

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We want to bring in the best practices across the world and also leverage our influence to support the regional commission to attract financing that they can use to actualise development across the region.

Furthermore, the UNDP intends to utilize its global network to attract development financing and introduce international best practices to expedite recovery and economic growth in the North-East. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, assured stakeholders that the proposed policy would prioritize implementation, a common challenge for government programs in Nigeria. The policy aims to address the specific needs of the North-East, which is particularly affected by insecurity.

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Nigeria does not lack policy, but implementation. For this policy, implementation is guaranteed.