Bauchi Governor and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria of the United Nations, Edward Kallon, while signing the MoU.
ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday signed a N5.8 billion Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations on effective service delivery tagged “Work Plan on Delivery As One.”
Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi on Wednesday, the Governor said signing the document was part of his administration’s vision of providing citizens of the state with good governance.
He said governance, human rights, peace and security form the basic tenets of his administration pointing out that currently, people are involved in all the major decisions taken by the government that affect their lives.
The governor added that the state government is tackling the challenges in critical sectors of the economy through effective and efficient utilisation of the state’s wealth. 
He said: “I am glad to state that this Work Plan has captured most of what we are doing in the state. The investment in the various social sectors by the UN family is indeed heart-warming as it shows the confidence you have in my administration.
“Let me thank you most sincerely for this wonderful relationship. We need partners and sponsors. Bauchi under my leadership is donor and investment friendly.
“Development Planning and process are not new to Nigeria and indeed Bauchi State. What is new is the process where people who are the beneficiaries of the programmes and projects are carried along in implementation of the plan.”
Mohammed noted with satisfaction that the work plan is a product of a collective efforts of people from various Ministries, Developments and Agencies and the officials of the United Nation’s agencies in Nigeria.
He said his administration believes in inclusive governance and therefore acknowledged the outstanding contributions, support and assistance of development partners to the state government.
The governor told the UN officials that, efforts are ongoing by his administration to improve performances in the sectors of Health, Education among others for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
“The situation in Bauchi State is changing very fast for the better, because our Government is committed to the use of the meagre resources effectively and efficiently,” he said.
He directed the State Planning Commission to ensure proper coordination and implementation of the document and to brief him on regular basis on the projects.
The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria of the United Nations, Edward Kallon, earlier in his speech said that with the signing of the 2020 Delivery As One Annual Work Plan, UN will expand its humanitarian activities to other critical sectors in the state.
He said for effective implementation of the plan in the state, there is need for the state government to provide conductive environment for UN officials especially in the areas of peace and security.
Kallon said: “Your Excellency, Bauchi State is one of the UN Delivery as One states. I heard from your colleagues that your office is in discussion with the UN Agencies on issues linked to Sustainable Energy Development, MSMES, Industrial parks and Private Sector Development and agribusiness development.
“The United Nations is truly interested in this engagement especially now and beyond, and your government should create avenues for other UN entities to engage.