New York – September 26, 2024 — The Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund along with additional commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to address pressing issues related to flooding, healthcare, and agricultural reforms.
This was announced during a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the Gates Foundation’s Global Development Programme team, led by Dr. Christopher Elias, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, it was confirmed that the relief fund aims to “accelerate relief efforts for victims of devastating floods” and support reforms in the health and agricultural sectors.
The announcement comes on the heels of Nigeria’s recent establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), aimed at enhancing the country’s resilience against natural disasters, particularly floods. The fund, unveiled by Finance Minister Wale Edun, is designed to pool resources from public and private sectors, as well as international donors, to address the increasing threats posed by climate change.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s contribution includes $600,000 earmarked for flood relief in Borno State, as well as initiatives in the health sector. Additionally, a $5 million grant has been approved to support Lagos Business School and its partners in advancing the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
Vice President Shettima emphasized the Nigerian government’s dedication to addressing key national issues such as malnutrition, health, and food security. “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis,” Shettima said.
Highlighting the importance of food security, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural production, including the swift approval of import permits for certified seeds. “The Cassava Accelerator programme holds immense potential for our economy,” he stated, while also emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts towards digitization and public service reform.
Shettima expressed confidence that with the expertise of Nigeria’s ministers and continued support from partners like the Gates Foundation, the nation is poised to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of its citizens.
This partnership marks another step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to secure international support in addressing the country’s developmental challenges and building resilience against future crises.