Groups sign pact to drive inclusive development in Nigeria Delta

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and Plan International Nigeria have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), safeguarding systems, youth empowerment, and community resilience across the Niger Delta.

The partnership, formalised during the signing ceremony at the PIND Foundation office in Abuja, will strengthen collaboration on inclusive development programming, gender-responsive peacebuilding, workforce readiness, safeguarding systems, and economic inclusion initiatives within the region.

Sam Ogbemi Daibo, PIND’s executive director, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to building more inclusive and resilient communities.

“Sustainable development cannot happen when women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups remain excluded from opportunities and decision-making processes. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building more inclusive, resilient, and equitable communities across the Niger Delta,” he said.

Also speaking, Charles Usie, country director, Plan International Nigeria, described the collaboration as a strategic step toward strengthening inclusive systems and expanding opportunities for vulnerable populations. “At Plan International Nigeria, we believe sustainable development is only possible when inclusion, protection, and equal opportunity are intentionally integrated into development systems and community structures.

This partnership with PIND Foundation creates an important opportunity to strengthen gender-responsive programming, empower women and young people, and advance resilient communities across the Niger Delta,” he said.

The partnership will focus on strengthening GESI integration across PIND programs and partner organisations and enhancing safeguarding and accountability systems.

It will also support inclusive economic empowerment pathways for women, youth, and vulnerable populations; advance gender-responsive peacebuilding and governance programming; build institutional capacity through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing, as well as promote multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy engagement on gender equality and social inclusion.

The collaboration reinforces both organisations’ commitment to creating sustainable pathways for inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term development outcomes in the Niger Delta.

PIND is a non-profit organisation that promotes peacebuilding, economic growth, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta through multi-stakeholder partnerships and market-driven interventions. Plan International Nigeria, on the other hand, is an independent development and humanitarian that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.