FG, UNODC Pledge Collaborative Supports, Launches UNODC Strategic Vision For Nigeria 2030

The Federal government has pledged it’s support to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) towards the implementation of the UNODC Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030.

The assurance was given Friday by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, at the launch of the UNODC Strategic Vision for Nigeria

According to Malami, “Let me state that the Federal Government is in support of the Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030 which will support Nigeria in achieving the ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 16 aimed at promoting peaceful inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice institutions at all levels.”

He further maintained that Nigeria also welcomes the thematic Five Priority Areas of the Strategic Vision which has been identified to enhancing the criminal justice system with a view to: Upholding the rule of law, ensuring access to justice and protecting victims of crime, safeguarding people, institutions and economies from corruption, illicit financial flows and money laundering, securing the safety of people from terrorism and violent extremism; protecting people, the economy and, the environment against organized crime, and promoting people’s health through drug and HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.

Malami who was represented by the Acting Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice, Mr. Benjamin O. Okolo, solicited the support of all relevant stakeholders to give the UNODC the required cooperation, collaboration and support to achieve the successful implementation of the Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030.

Earlier, the UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, recalled that last year, the Strategic Vision for Africa was launched with the principal aim to place people and their needs at the heart of UNODC responses to drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism in the continent.

He said: “Now in Nigeria, we are launching our first nationally focused strategy to complement this broader vision. The strategic Vision for Nigeria is the latest result of a strong and long-standing partnership with Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigeria had been a central partner for UNODC in Africa since 1990, adding that “It is time for us to elevate this partnership, to confront growing challenges by building on the positive steps that have been taken.”