Microsoft Founder and philanthropist, Bill Gates on Wednesday in Abuja revealed plans to inject at least $2.8 billion into the country's healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors to reflate it.
While speaking on his intentions at the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Gates emphasised the critical need to invest in Nigeria's greatest resource, its people while addressing the economic challenges the country faces.
The co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has been a long-time advocate for Nigeria, with a commitment to the country totalling over $2.8 billion, the largest of its kind in Africa.
His remarks to the NEC highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria, especially in the wake of economic stagnation and rising national debt.
He underlined the importance of prioritising primary healthcare, noting that without health, "there can be no opportunity," pointing out that despite Nigeria's wealth, the country spends just N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a ratio that he argued should be reversed.
He urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding for primary healthcare and to ensure timely disbursement of allocated resources.
He also praised recent efforts, such as the successful HPV vaccination campaign that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in just one month. However, he stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in data-driven decision-making to optimise healthcare delivery and workforce management.
On nutrition, Gates highlighted 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.
He also discussed affordable interventions in maternal health, such as the use of multiple micronutrient supplements, MMS, that could prevent millions of cases of anaemia 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, fertilisers, and infrastructure to support farmers.
He 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.
He further reaffirmed the Gates Foundation's long-term commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
He acknowledged the difficulties in turning around the country's fortunes but expressed 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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