Details of Discussion Between Shettima, Bill Gates, Dangote, and Nigerian Governors Revealed
In a recent meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima reiterated the commitment of the current administration to address the challenges surrounding primary healthcare financing in the country. The meeting, organized under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), included the presence of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, renowned philanthropist, and Bill Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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During the parley, Vice President Shettima highlighted the importance of timely domestic financing for vaccine procurement to tackle the primary healthcare challenges, particularly polio, faced by Nigeria. He commended the progress made in polio eradication, stating that Nigeria’s three-dose pentavalent vaccine coverage had improved from 33% in 2016 to 57% in 2021. The incidence of the variant polio virus in Nigeria had also significantly declined by 84% in 2022, with fewer than 200 cases reported. The Vice President applauded the states that achieved high immunization coverage, which increased from 12 to 21 states over five years.
Vice President Shettima assured the attendees that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, would establish a transparent process and structure to address the country’s high proportion of non-immunized infants. He expressed the commitment to eradicate the variant poliovirus by the end of the year and ensure comprehensive routine immunization campaigns for all Nigerian children.
Regarding vaccine production, Vice President Shettima emphasized the need to make vaccines available to even the most vulnerable children, including those with zero immunization coverage. He acknowledged the support of partners such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recognizing their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In his remarks, Bill Gates announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to commit $7 billion to Africa over the next four years. This funding will support routine immunization efforts in Nigeria and contribute to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Northern Nigeria.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote echoed Gates’ sentiments, highlighting their longstanding partnership with the Federal and State Governments in the fight against polio and efforts to improve routine immunization, nutrition, and primary healthcare. Dangote emphasized the importance of the decisions made by the National Economic Council in determining Nigeria’s economic growth, citizen well-being, and progress toward sustainable development goals.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulraman Abdulrasaq, and other governors present at the meeting praised the philanthropic interventions of the Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations. They expressed their willingness to further collaborate with these foundations in critical areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development in the coming years.
In their separate remarks during the interactive session, Alhaji Abdulraman Abdulrasaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and other governors in attendance commended the philanthropic interventions of the Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations. They acknowledged the significant contributions made by these foundations in crucial areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development. The governors expressed their readiness to strengthen their collaboration with the Dangote and Gates Foundations in the years ahead.
The discussions centered on the importance of sustainable economic growth, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of the National Economic Council in shaping Nigeria’s future. Alhaji Aliko Dangote emphasized the critical role that decisions made by the council would play in determining the country’s economic trajectory and the happiness of its citizens.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among all stakeholders to continue working together to address primary healthcare challenges, improve routine immunization, and ensure access to essential vaccines for all Nigerian children. The involvement and support of philanthropic organizations like the Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations were recognized as instrumental in advancing these goals.
The discussions held during this meeting reflect a collaborative effort between government entities, philanthropic organizations, and influential figures to address critical healthcare issues and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
