The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has appointed Ms. Fatma Samoura, as the new Resident Representative in Nigeria. She succeeded Mr. Daouda Toure, who has ended his tour of duty in the country. A spokesman of the UNDP Nigeria, Lucky Musonda, said yesterday in a statement that Ms. Samoura has formally begun her work with a promise of full support to the government and people of Nigeria.
Musonda said the new coordinator today presented her Letters of Credence to the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Geoffrey Onyeama. “As outlined in paragraph 34 of the Annex to the General Assembly resolution 32/197 of 20 December 1977, Ms. Samoura, on behalf of the UN system, will have overall responsibility and exercise team leadership for the coordination of operational activities for development in Nigeria,” he said.
He said Samoura highlighted the challenges faced by the national authorities, especially in addressing poverty and responding to the development and humanitarian needs of the North Eastern parts of the Nigeria and pledged full support to the people and government of Africa’s largest economy in efforts aimed at meeting both short and long term development goals, including achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN Ambassador also used the occasion to commend the Federal Government for the ongoing rehabilitation of the UN House and pleaded for its speedy completion, saying this would enhance operational efficiency and facilitate even more effective support to the government and people of Nigeria.
Ms. Samoura, a Senegalese, was previously the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative for the Republic of Madagascar.
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