Bill Gates, Co-Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $2.8bn investment for Nigeria, aimed at tackling health, nutrition, and agricultural challenges.
This announcement was made during a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), where Gates underscored the critical need to invest in Nigeria’s most valuable resource—its people—while addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Gates, a prominent U.S. billionaire and philanthropist, has been a long-time supporter of development in Nigeria. His foundation’s total commitment to the country now exceeds $2.8 billion, marking it as the largest philanthropic investment in Africa.
“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,” Gates remarked.
He emphasized the need to prioritize primary healthcare, stressing that without health, “there can be no opportunity.”
Gates highlighted that despite Nigeria’s considerable wealth, the country spends only N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a situation he believes needs urgent reversal.
He called on Nigerian leaders to increase funding for primary healthcare and ensure that allocated resources are promptly disbursed. Gates praised recent initiatives, such as the successful HPV vaccination campaign, which reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in a single month, but also stressed the need for ongoing improvements, particularly in data-driven decision-making to optimize healthcare delivery and workforce management.
On the topic of nutrition, Gates expressed concern over the high rates of child malnutrition in Nigeria, which he noted contributes to nearly half of all child deaths.
He advocated for greater involvement from the private sector in food fortification and urged state governments to comply with nutritional mandates.
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Gates also highlighted affordable interventions in maternal health, such as the use of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), which could prevent millions of cases of anaemia and save thousands of newborn lives.
In the agricultural sector, Gates addressed concerns about food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and poor agricultural practices. He advocated for increased funding for agricultural extension services, fertilizers, and infrastructure to support farmers.
Gates also encouraged the adoption of innovative crop varieties with higher yields and better pest resistance, including new cassava varieties developed with the support of his foundation.
Reaffirming the Gates Foundation’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and Africa, Gates acknowledged the challenges of turning around the country’s fortunes but expressed optimism that smart investments, innovative thinking, and dedicated leadership could help Nigeria build a better future.
“Despite the difficulties, I remain optimistic. With the right investments and leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and unlock its full potential,” Gates concluded
