The United Nations is collaborating with the Federal Government to create at least a million jobs through Staple Crop Processing Zones in Nigeria.

Speaking at an event to celebrate the United Nations Day in Abuja, the resident co-ordinator for the UN system in Nigeria, Mister Daouda Toure explained that the UN is assisting the Federal Government to formulate master plans for the development and implementation of 6 processing zones in the country.

The project is expected to generate another 3.5 million indirect jobs and generate 2billion dollars of private sector investments.

Mister Toure added that the plan is part of the effort to support government’s anti-poverty efforts.

He commended Nigeria’s progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals but asked for increased effort as the world approaches the 2015 target.

24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.