Co-Chairman of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates, who was invited to the NEC meeting, announced a $2.8 billion investment in Nigeria aimed at enhancing the country’s healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors.
Addressing the NEC-in-session, the United States billionaire and philanthropist stressed the critical need to invest in Nigeria’s greatest resource, its people, while addressing the economic challenges the country faces.
Gates has been a long-time supporter of development in Nigeria, with his foundation’s commitment to the country now totalling over $2.8 billion, the largest 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, stating that without health, “there can be no opportunity”.
Gates also pointed out that despite Nigeria’s wealth, the country spent just N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a ratio that he said should be reversed.
He urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding for primary healthcare and to ensure timely disbursement of allocated resources.
Gates praised recent efforts, such as the successful HPV vaccination campaign, that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in just one month.
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 contributed 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.
Gates 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 new-born lives.
In the agricultural sector, the renowned philanthropist expressed concern over Nigeria’s food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and poor agricultural practices. He advocated increased funding for extension services, fertilisers, 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.
The philanthropist reaffirmed 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.
According to him, “By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future, I still believe in the grand vision of Nigeria’s future, and that future depends on all of you.”
Deji Elumoye
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