Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,14 July 2025 – The Government of Akwa Ibom State and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to catalyse regional development through strategic investments, institutional systems strengthening, and innovation-led transformation.

This strategic partnership is designed to enhance the delivery capacity of government institutions and unlock development finance to scale high-impact transformation through innovation, digital transformation, public sector reform and more. The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Uyo and witnessed by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria.

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, H.E Pastor Umo Bassey Eno reaffirmed the State’s vision and the need for more strategic collaborations like this. H.E expressed confidence in the partnership, emphasizing the importance of innovation, execution, and long-term systems building: “This collaboration with UNDP reflects our administration’s commitment to delivering measurable, inclusive, and sustainable development. With the right systems and strategic investments, we are positioning Akwa Ibom as a model subnational in Nigeria and beyond.”

Through this agreement, UNDP and the Akwa Ibom State Government will co-invest in a Joint Programme focused on key areas including skills development, energy transition, digital services, and access to development finance. The partnership provides a framework for deploying technical assistance, supporting policy reform, and attracting both domestic and international capital for the State’s sustainable and inclusive development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme Nigeria described the partnership as a bold commitment to people-first development: “This partnership signals a bold step toward delivering a future-smart Akwa Ibom - one that is digitally enabled, economically competitive, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. We are proud to work with the Akwa Ibom State Government in unlocking opportunities for its people, especially youth and women.” 
 
Through this agreement, UNDP and the Akwa Ibom State Government will co-invest in a Joint Programme focused on key areas including skills development, energy transition, innovation and digital transformation services, and access to development finance. The partnership provides a framework for deploying technical assistance, supporting policy reform, and attracting both domestic and international capital for sustainable development.
Following the MoU signing, as part of the next steps both parties will finalize a co-financing agreement and set up a Joint Technical Working Group to coordinate programme delivery including engaging with global development finance institutions and private sector partners to build a strong pipeline of investable programmes. These projects will be supported by innovative financing models and blended capital tools that ensure scale and sustainability.

UNDP and the Akwa Ibom State Government are also exploring future engagements with international financing institutions and private sector actors to build a robust pipeline of investable projects, supported by innovative financing models and blended capital instruments. This partnership reflects UNDP’s ongoing commitment to supporting state-level development that is inclusive, resilient, and driven by local leadership.

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Note to Editors.

About the Akwa Ibom State Government
Under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State is charting a bold and inclusive development path aimed at improving lives, strengthening institutions, and unlocking sustainable economic growth. Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Eno has advanced a People-Centric ARISE Agenda, prioritizing Agricultural expansion, Rural development, Infrastructure consolidation, Security enhancement, and Educational advancement.
With a strong commitment to transparency, innovation, and execution, the Akwa Ibom State Government is driving transformation through strategic investments in tourism, enterprise development, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrialization. Uyo, the State capital, is fast becoming a model of subnational progress, while the State’s extensive coastline and vibrant communities provide a strong foundation for economic diversification. Through high-impact public-private partnerships and international cooperation, Akwa Ibom is positioning itself as a leading destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria. Learn more: www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng

About United Nations Development Programme:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the promise to leave no one behind, UNDP partners with governments, civil society, and the private sector to help nations build integrated, people-centered, and future-ready solutions to today’s complex development challenges.

In Nigeria, UNDP is driving a new era of development through its Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a bold, system-wide approach that delivers high-impact solutions across Nigeria’s diverse regions. At its core are five flagship portfolios focused on innovation, digital transformation, and the knowledge economy; trade, investment and financing for development; integrated, clean and decentralized energy systems; accelerated community development; and the Made in Nigeria initiative. Together, they enable inclusive, locally led growth, while deepening institutional capacity and unlocking scalable, future-ready development pathways. Learn more: 
https://www.undp.org/nigeria

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Governor || Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo
info@akwaibomstate.gov.ng

Christabel Chanda - Ginsberg
Public Engagement, Outreach & Partnerships Lead|| UNDP Nigeria
Tel: +234 904 935 4441 
christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org