The co-founder of Microsoft and a prominent philanthropist, Bill Gates has announced a major investment aimed at bolstering Nigeria's healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors.
Speaking at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Gates revealed plans to inject at least $2.8 billion into these critical areas to address the country's economic challenges and enhance its greatest resource—its people.
Gates emphasized the importance of prioritizing primary healthcare, noting that "without health, there can be no opportunity." Despite Nigeria's wealth, the country spends just N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a ratio Gates argued should be reversed.
He urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding for primary healthcare and ensure timely disbursement of allocated resources.
Highlighting recent successes, Gates praised the HPV vaccination campaign that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in one month but stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in data-driven decision-making to optimize healthcare delivery and workforce management.
Addressing nutrition, Gates pointed out the alarming rate of child malnutrition in Nigeria, which contributes to nearly half of all child deaths. He called for greater private-sector involvement in food fortification and urged state governments to ensure compliance with nutritional mandates.
Additionally, he discussed affordable interventions in maternal health, such as the use of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), which could prevent millions of cases of anemia and save thousands of newborn lives.
In the agricultural sector, Gates expressed concern over Nigeria's food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and poor agricultural practices. He advocated for increased funding for extension services, fertilizers, and infrastructure to support farmers.
Gates also encouraged the adoption of innovative crop varieties with higher yields and greater resistance to pests, such as the new cassava varieties developed with support from the Gates Foundation.
Gates reaffirmed the long-term commitment of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to Nigeria and Africa, acknowledging the difficulties in turning around the country's fortunes but expressing optimism that with smart investments, innovative thinking, and dedicated leadership, Nigeria could build a better future.
"By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future," Gates said, adding, "I still believe in the grand vision of Nigeria’s future, and that future depends on all of you."
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