The Nigerian government received a $600,000 relief fund from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at supporting victims of recent floods and enhancing health and agricultural reforms.
This announcement was made following a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Foundation’s Global Development Programme, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The relief fund is intended to “hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors’ reforms,” as stated by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications.
This funding comes shortly after the Federal Government announced the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund designed to “build greater resilience” against natural disasters, particularly floods. Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted that this fund will address the unique challenges posed by climate change through contributions from public and private sectors as well as international donors.
Specifically, the Gates Foundation’s $600,000 will focus on flood relief in Borno State and health initiatives, alongside a $5 million grant for the Lagos Business School and partners aimed at developing the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development. “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis,” he stated.
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He emphasized the government’s dedication to integrity and effective leadership, stressing the urgency of securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme. “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development,” Shettima noted.
He further explained that the Cassava Accelerator programme “holds immense potential for our economy” and emphasized a comprehensive approach to digitization and data exchange systems to enhance public services.
Shettima expressed confidence in the nation’s capability to effect meaningful change, stating, “with the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers and the continued support from partners like the Gates Foundation, the government aims to improve the lives of all Nigerians.
Dr. Christopher Elias of the Gates Foundation expressed concern over the flooding in Borno and reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria during crises, particularly in health sector reforms and the fight against polio. “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” he added.
Rodger Voorhies, president of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Gates Foundation, outlined plans for enhancing drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme. He indicated that the industrial cassava sector presents a “multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria.”
Voorhies also requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to establish a foundation seed system in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, including a $60 million investment in various sector-wide programs.
Notably, Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of the Dangote Group and co-chair of the Gates Foundation, also visited Vice President Shettima during the meeting.
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