The Nigerian government, in partnership with German Development Agency GIZ, the European Union (EU) and the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), is to implement a 4.2 billion naira (US$25.6 million) competitiveness project to boost trade and enhance productivity, the local media reported Tuesday
The project, tagged Nigeria Competitiveness Support Programme (NCSP), was launched on Monday in the capital city of Abuja by the Nigerian Trade and Investment Minister Olusegun Aganga.
He said the programme has three pillars, including the effective management of trade policy and trade facilitation through strengthened trade support institutions in Nigeria.
The other two components are: Support for improved business and investment environment through regulatory reforms; and the establishment of National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to improve the quality of products and services and enhance the level of protection for consumer rights.
“The Nigerian Competitiveness Support Programme (NCSP) further pushes the nation’s industrial revolution plan (NIRP), which addresses the high cost of funding in Nigeria, builds up industrial infrastructure and power, provides industrial skills, links innovation and industry, improves investment climate, strengthens products standards and promotes local patronage,” the minister added.
The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, said: “The EU attaches a great importance to its relations with Nigeria as an important political and economic force in West Africa and a key player on the African continent and is willing to assist Nigerian leaders in improving the living conditions of all Nigerians.”
