The Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund, along with additional commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to support flood victims and drive reforms in the health and agricultural sectors. The announcement was made during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s meeting with the Foundation’s leadership, including Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Global Development Programme, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, the funds will expedite relief efforts for victims of recent floods and provide critical support for health and agricultural reforms. The relief package is part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to build resilience against natural disasters, with a particular focus on addressing the growing impact of climate change.
In addition to the relief fund, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $5 million to support Lagos Business School and its partners in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural economy, specifically in the development of industrial cassava. This initiative is expected to unlock significant economic opportunities, with industrial cassava viewed as a multi-billion-dollar industry for Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development, especially in addressing the country’s malnutrition crisis. He emphasized the importance of food security and industrial agricultural development, noting that programs like the Cassava Accelerator hold immense potential for the economy. Shettima also highlighted the government’s focus on digital transformation, which aims to revolutionize public services through digitization and data exchange systems.
“We are dedicated to tackling our nation’s pressing developmental challenges with integrity and effective leadership,” Shettima said, stressing the urgency of securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze program and promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds. “With the expertise of our ministers and continued support from partners like the Gates Foundation, we are confident in our ability to drive meaningful change.”
Dr. Christopher Elias, president of the Gates Foundation’s Global Development Programme, expressed the Foundation’s deep concern about the devastating flooding in Borno and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria during times of crisis. He also praised Nigeria’s national task force for its efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses, reinforcing the Foundation’s support for the country’s ongoing health sector reforms.
Rodger Voorhies, president of the Foundation’s Global Growth & Opportunity Division, outlined plans to scale up drought-tolerant maize production and advance the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator program. He revealed that the Foundation had approved a $5 million grant for Lagos Business School and partners to bolster the agricultural economics of industrial cassava, which he described as a significant opportunity for Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Gates Foundation’s support extends beyond agriculture and health. Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Foundation, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with the Nigerian government, highlighting a $60 million investment in sector-wide programs and collaborations, particularly in reproductive health.
Also present at the meeting was Aliko Dangote, CEO of the Dangote Group and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, further reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the Foundation and the Nigerian government to tackle critical issues and drive sustainable development.