Nigeria is set to deepen its partnership with the Gates Foundation, signalling a broader collaboration across key sectors such as health, agriculture, nutrition and digital transformation, as the federal government moves to leverage long-standing global support to drive national development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this position clear on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Foundation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the organisation as a “strategic partner” in Nigeria’s effort to reshape its development trajectory. His remarks reflect a renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to expand existing alliances that can deliver measurable impact across critical sectors.
According to Shettima, the relationship between Nigeria and the Gates Foundation is no longer just about support, but about shared responsibility in advancing the country’s long-term goals. “We need the Gates Foundation not just as a strong and consistent partner but as a major stakeholder in the Nigeria Project,” he said, signalling a shift towards deeper institutional collaboration.
The Vice President acknowledged the Foundation’s sustained investments in human capital development, healthcare systems, agriculture and nutrition, noting that these contributions have remained consistent over the years. He emphasised that the next phase of engagement would focus on scaling these interventions and aligning them more closely with government priorities, particularly in areas that directly affect livelihoods and economic growth.
“You have sustained investments across human capital development, nutrition, agriculture, health system and so many areas. We can’t thank you enough,” Shettima stated, adding that the government is ready to “elevate that relationship to a higher pedestal, especially in the area of nutrition, which is now receiving the highest level of support.”
Central to this expanded partnership is a strong push for transformation in agriculture, a sector the administration sees as critical to boosting productivity and strengthening the economy. Shettima stressed that Nigeria must move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical solutions that improve output. “We have been talking about agriculture for far too long but the whole mantra is about how to increase productivity,” he said.
He outlined key strategies that would define this new direction, including the adoption of modern farming technologies, the use of high-yield and climate-resilient seed varieties, precision farming techniques and improved irrigation systems. These measures, he noted, are essential to unlocking the sector’s potential and driving growth in the country’s GDP.
Beyond agriculture, the expanded collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in health and nutrition, with a focus on reducing preventable deaths and improving overall wellbeing. The Gates Foundation has been actively involved in these areas, and both sides appear aligned on the need to scale interventions that deliver long-term impact.
President of the Foundation’s Global Growth and Opportunity division, Hari Menon, said the visit to Abuja was aimed at deepening and broadening the partnership with Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country is undergoing significant reforms. He described the current moment as one of opportunity, driven by what he called a reformist vision at the highest levels of government.
“Nigeria is going through a very remarkable moment led by the reformist vision of the President and the Vice President,” Menon said. “There are lots of very dynamic changes underway and the Gates Foundation is privileged to have the opportunity to partner with the government of Nigeria… to really contribute to long term economic transformation and development.”
He explained that the Foundation’s work in Nigeria is anchored on three key goals: reducing maternal and child mortality, eliminating infectious diseases, and expanding economic opportunities to foster inclusive growth. These priorities, he noted, align closely with the government’s broader development agenda.
Menon also pointed to Nigeria’s growing role as a leader among developing nations, suggesting that progress made within the country could serve as a model for others. “In all of these areas, Nigeria is emerging as a trailblazer, and we really look forward to deepening and broadening our partnerships,” he added, highlighting the importance of working with local institutions, innovators and leaders to sustain progress.
