150 projects implemented in Nigeria since 2009: UNDP

ABUJA - The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Wednesday said it has executed up to 150 projects in Nigeria with at least $6 million through the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Program (GEF-SGP).

At least 25 out of the 36 states in Nigeria have benefited so far from the projects, co-financed by donors including non-governmental organizations since 2009, said Ronke Olubamise, the coordinator of the GEF-SGP.

Olubamise told reporters in Abuja that five priority areas being implemented through the program in Nigeria were conservation of biodiversity, prevention of land degradation, fight against climate change and persistent organic pollutants, and protection of international waters.

More than 500,000 poor rural dwellers have benefited directly from all the projects over the years, she said.

The projects were aligned with the government's priorities, in order to get its support for their smooth implementation, she added.