Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday commended the sustained investments and humanitarian interventions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Nigeria, pledging the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the organisation to support the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Foundation at the State House Abuja. The delegation was led by the President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity division, Hari Menon.
During the meeting, the Vice President described the Gates Foundation as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s development, particularly in the areas of healthcare, agriculture, nutrition, and digital transformation. He noted that the Foundation has played a significant role over the years in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to improve public health, reduce poverty, and strengthen key sectors of the economy.
Shettima stated that the administration of President Tinubu is focused on implementing reforms that will transform the Nigerian economy, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for citizens. He said partnerships with global development organisations such as the Gates Foundation are essential to achieving these goals, especially in areas that directly impact the welfare of the people.
The Vice President specifically highlighted the Foundation’s interventions in primary healthcare, immunisation programmes, maternal and child health, agricultural development, and poverty reduction initiatives. He said these interventions have contributed significantly to improving health outcomes and supporting vulnerable populations across the country.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that the Foundation’s programmes and interventions succeed and expand. According to him, the government is particularly interested in deepening collaboration in digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture, and healthcare, which he described as critical sectors for Nigeria’s long-term development.
Shettima also emphasised the importance of digital technology in modern governance, noting that digital transformation can improve transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in government institutions. He said Nigeria is working to expand digital infrastructure and promote innovation, especially among young people, to drive economic growth and job creation.
In the area of agriculture, the Vice President said the government is committed to improving food security, supporting farmers, and modernising the agricultural sector. He noted that partnerships with development organisations can help introduce new technologies, improve farming practices, and increase productivity.
On healthcare, Shettima said the Federal Government is focused on strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving access to essential medicines, and reducing maternal and child mortality. He acknowledged the Gates Foundation’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s health sector, particularly in immunisation and disease control programmes.
Speaking during the meeting, Hari Menon reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development priorities. He said the Foundation would continue to work with the Nigerian government and other partners to address key challenges in health, agriculture, nutrition, and economic development.
Menon noted that Nigeria is a key partner for the Foundation in Africa due to its large population and strategic importance on the continent. He said the Foundation’s interventions are aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations, supporting innovation, and strengthening institutions.
He also stressed the importance of data, technology, and innovation in solving development challenges, adding that the Foundation is interested in supporting programmes that use digital tools to improve healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, and financial inclusion.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss ongoing projects and explore new areas of collaboration. Analysts say the renewed partnership between Nigeria and the Gates Foundation could lead to increased investment in public health, agriculture, and digital innovation, which are key sectors for national development.
The Gates Foundation has been active in Nigeria for many years, supporting programmes in polio eradication, malaria control, immunisation, agricultural development, and financial inclusion. Its partnership with federal and state governments has contributed to several public health and development initiatives across the country.
Observers believe that strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian government and international development organisations will be crucial in addressing the country’s development challenges, particularly in healthcare, food security, and poverty reduction.
As Nigeria continues to implement economic and social reforms, the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to working with development partners such as the Gates Foundation signals a strategy focused on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development aimed at improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
