At PIND, we believe that one organization cannot solve all the interconnected problems of the Niger Delta region. This is why partnership remains at the core of all that we do. As we transition into our fourth strategic phase (14 years) of operating in the region, we continue establishing and strengthening partnerships with key government and private sector institutions. These discussions also align with PIND’s vision of bringing various impact investment opportunities into the region to further its vision of creating sustainable peace and improving lives and livelihoods.
In a series of engagements, a delegation from PIND met with representatives of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Abuja to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing development initiatives in the Niger Delta region. The meeting, marked by a spirit of mutual interest and a shared commitment to progress, laid the groundwork for a potentially impactful partnership. The visit focused on the areas of SME development and access to renewable energy in the Niger Delta.
The PIND Program Director, Dr. Effiong Essien, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the long-standing relationship between PIND and BOI. He fondly recalled their initial collaboration through the National Economic Lab in 2017.
Tunji Idowu, PIND’s Executive Director, presented an insightful overview of PIND’s core programs. He highlighted PINDs 14-year history of supporting economic and social interventions in the region through its core program areas: economic development and peacebuilding. This is also alongside its program enablers, who advocate for more robust government engagement, capacity building, and gender and social inclusion.
Mr. Shekarau D. Omar, the Executive Director of SME at BOI, expressed BOI’s strong alignment with PIND’s focus areas, particularly renewable energy and investment. He highlighted BOI’s existing partnership with UNDP in establishing mini-grid projects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He further emphasized BOI’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians in the renewable energy sector through equity and soft loans with extended repayment periods. They stressed their commitment to helping young Nigerians in the renewable energy sector by providing equity and soft loans.
PIND and BOI recognized the importance of derisking investments in the Niger Delta. PIND shared its experience working successfully in the region with its access to finance project Sombreiro Kapital (SK), while BOI emphasized its ability to leverage its connections to attract external funding.
Tunji Idowu, the PIND Executive Director, responded by emphasizing PIND’s deep understanding of the Niger Delta region and its development needs. He highlighted PIND’s strong relationships with local communities, ensuring a welcoming environment for partners who wish to invest in the region through PIND. He explained that PIND uses its network of peace actors to create peaceful environments and leverage its substantial community reach, prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a proposal to establish a joint committee to explore further collaboration. This committee would identify opportunities to replicate successful PIND models in other regions across Nigeria.
These visits are part of PIND’s business development strategy to expand its reach with partners in Nigeria and the world. The visit signifies a significant step forward for PIND and BOI in their joint effort to drive positive change in the Niger Delta and beyond.
Other stakeholder visits included a meeting with the Development Bank of Nigeria and a Presidential Amnesty Programme Visit in Abuja.
