Shettima hails Gates Foundation support, seeks partnership on key reforms

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for its sustained investments and humanitarian interventions in Nigeria, describing the organisation as a strategic partner in the country’s development efforts.

Shettima gave the commendation on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the foundation led by Hari Menon at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The Vice President also welcomed the foundation’s request to deepen collaboration with Nigeria in key sectors including digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture and healthcare, noting that stronger partnerships would support the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Shettima said the Gates Foundation has consistently demonstrated commitment to Nigeria through investments in human capital development, nutrition, agriculture and health systems.

He assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s readiness to strengthen the relationship, particularly in addressing nutrition challenges, which he said is now receiving increased government attention.

According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous economic potential and could compete with leading global economies if the right policies and productivity measures are sustained.

The Vice President stressed the need for Nigeria to move beyond discussions about agriculture to practical steps aimed at boosting productivity. He highlighted the adoption of modern technologies, climate-resilient seeds, precision farming and improved irrigation systems as critical to achieving this goal.

Shettima, who described himself as an agricultural economist by training, said improving farm productivity remains key to increasing Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).