The Federal government has secured a $600,000 relief fund to support flood victims in Borno State and boost health and agricultural reforms.
This funding comes from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, announced during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and representatives from the foundation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Gates Foundation also approved an additional $5 million grant to help develop Nigeria’s agricultural sector, specifically targeting industrial cassava through the Lagos Business School and its partners.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing key issues in health, nutrition, and agriculture. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the malnutrition crisis and enhancing food security, saying, “We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis.”
Shettima also highlighted the importance of agricultural reforms, particularly through the Cassava Accelerator programme and the Telemaze initiative for maize production. “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy,” he stated.
The Vice President also stressed the Nigerian government’s focus on digital transformation, adding, “We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionize our public services.”
Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Gates Foundation’s Global Development Programme, expressed the foundation’s concern about the severe flooding in Borno and its commitment to support Nigeria during crises. “We’re committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis,” Dr. Elias said. He also praised the country’s efforts in the fight against polio, noting that the national task force is making strides to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end.
Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Gates Foundation, detailed plans to increase drought-tolerant maize production and advance the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme. He explained, “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria.”
The foundation is also working closely with the Nigerian government on various health sector reforms, including reproductive health programs, with a $60 million investment already committed to these efforts.
During the meeting, Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, also paid a courtesy call on Vice President Shettima to further discuss the ongoing partnership.
