The Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support flood relief efforts and reforms in health and agriculture. This donation was announced during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Dr. Christopher Elias, head of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The relief fund aims to “hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors’ reforms,” according to Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications.
This announcement follows the establishment of a Disaster Relief Fund by the Federal Government to enhance resilience against natural disasters, particularly floods. Finance Minister Mr. Wale Edun stated that the fund will gather resources from both public and private sectors, along with international donors, to address unique threats posed by climate change.
The Gates Foundation’s pledge includes $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State, alongside a $5 million grant for the Lagos Business School and its partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.
Shettima emphasized the administration’s commitment to prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development. He highlighted the significant malnutrition crisis facing Nigeria and the need for urgent action, particularly concerning maize production under the Telemaze program.
The Vice President assured swift action on import permits for certified seeds, underscoring the importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. He expressed confidence in the government’s ability to implement meaningful changes with the support of partners like the Gates Foundation.
Dr. Christopher Elias of the Gates Foundation reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigeria during crises, particularly in health sector reforms, including efforts to combat polio. Rodger Voorhies, President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division, outlined plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator program, emphasizing the significant economic potential of industrial cassava.
He also requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to establish a foundation seed system in Nigeria, highlighting the multi-billion-dollar opportunity that industrial cassava represents for the country.
