The United Kingdom Government has committed £19 million to strengthen health and education infrastructure in Kano and Jigawa States in response to the growing threats of climate change.
The fund, provided through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) program, has facilitated the inauguration of 84 facilities, comprising 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools.
Officials say the facilities have been designed to withstand floods, droughts, and extreme heat, thereby protecting communities, particularly children, who are among the most vulnerable to climate-related shocks.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Lafiya-UK Program, and the two state governments are key partners in the project.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umar Namadi Danmodi of Jigawa described the initiative as a timely intervention, adding that his administration would work to scale up similar projects across the state.
“We are grateful to the UK Government for this huge support and we are committed to sustaining these investments for the future,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by FCDO Development Director Cynthia Rowe, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Lafiya-UK Program team, and other stakeholders.
Nigeria ranks second globally in climate-related risks to children, and experts say the new facilities could play a crucial role in safeguarding access to healthcare and education in the region.
