The Enugu State Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate the state into the UNDP Nigeria’s Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), a partnership aimed at accelerating development and enhancing governance systems.
The MoU signing, held at the Government House in Enugu, was praised by UNDP for Enugu Governor Chukwuemeka Mbah’s “leadership, reform drive, and vision clarity,” describing the agreement as a partnership reflecting the state’s ambitions and Nigeria’s evolving development story.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, said the ISSP would enable the state to translate political priorities into investment-ready portfolios, leverage state resources as anchor capital, attract development finance institutions and private investors, and strengthen delivery systems for measurable results.
“Today is not ceremonial; it is strategic. We are signing three instruments: the MoU, which sets the strategic framework; the Programme Description of Action, which translates the framework into a clear delivery pathway; and the Financing Agreement, which moves us from intent to execution,” Attafuah said. She added that Enugu’s commitment to cost-sharing demonstrates leadership that converts partnerships into tangible results.
The UNDP official noted that while Nigeria is implementing bold reforms in energy, fiscal policy, revenue mobilisation, and governance, these reforms only matter if they reach the people. “In a federal system, states are where reform dividends must be delivered,” she said, emphasising the shift from project-based aid to co-investment and systems transformation at the subnational level.
The MoU, titled ‘UNDP-Enugu Integrated Smart State Programme for Accelerated Development (2025-2027),’ is structured around five pillars: health systems strengthening; Smart Green Schools; energy for development; innovation and digital economy; and trade, tourism, and investment promotion. Attafuah said the Financing Agreement would see the first tranche released on March 1, 2026, and the second on July 1, 2026, ensuring timely activation and disciplined implementation.
Governor Mbah described the MoU as a milestone for achieving his administration’s vision, promising transparency, accountability, and value for money. “We recognise that eradicating poverty requires collaboration and partnership. This MoU ensures optimal value in every kobo or dollar spent and aligns with our commitment to transparency and fund traceability,” he said.
The UNDP representative concluded that Enugu now joins a group of reform-forward states, positioning itself as a South-East leader and a model for human capital transformation, innovation, and investment-led growth. Both parties pledged to operationalise a dedicated programme team, implement early priorities, track progress through dashboards, and mobilise additional concessional and private finance.
