EU expresses determination to support Nigeria

The European Union (EU), has pledged its committed to strongly supporting Nigeria’s reform both at the federal and state levels.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ms Samuela Isopi said this in Abuja, Tuesday, during the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) State2State inaugural Policy Dialogue Series.

The event had as its theme, “Post-State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS): Incentivising Reforms.”

The ambassador who was represented by EU’s Head of Cooperation, Ms Cecile Tassin-Pelzer, said that reforms were integral to government and institutions.

She added that the reforms had no end as countries needed to adapt constantly to the changing dynamics of socio-economic and geo-political circumstances.

According to her, the same goes for organisations such as the EU, which is driving reforms at home and promoting them beyond its borders.

“At their core, reforms encourage transparency, accountability, fair and efficient distribution of resources and help countries make the most of their human and economic potentials.

“For Nigeria, reforms are important in order to capitalise on the country’s many endowments, mineral resources, and human capital, which is especially represented by its young population.

“Diverse land and water resources, digital and creative drive ,and her leading economic and political position on the continent .

“This is why EU stands by Nigeria, assisting the reforms at both federal and state levels in the design and implementation of policies , strategies and regulations.

“As well as helping to enhance the capacity of institutions that implement them,” she said.

The envoy said that some other projects in Nigeria concentrated on key systemic issues with support alongside the United Nations Development Programme and International Monetary Fund.

“To the Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFF) which will help Nigeria finance the achievement of the SDGs in the most efficient way.

“Another state level example, is our support to Public Finance Management, currently being implemented in Borno and Yobe.

“Importantly, our projects support good governance, peace, and stability or the electoral process.

“We are rolling out another package of assistance in view of the upcoming elections

“We are also assisting to help Nigeria develop its human capital and achieve the benefits of demographic dividends, through projects in health and education sectors,” she said.

The ambassador also lauded the good cooperation which the EU enjoyed from the Nigerian government, development partners, and other stakeholders.

Recalls that the USAID State2State inaugural Policy Dialogue Series would benefit six states namely: Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Gombe and Sokoto. (NAN)