The United Kingdom has unveiled a funding commitment of £19 million (approximately $24 million) aimed at advancing climate-resilient health and education infrastructure in Nigeria.
This announcement was made public in a joint statement issued on Tuesday by the British High Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The funding initiative was revealed during a collaborative inauguration event organized by the UK government, UNICEF, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, and the governments of Kano and Jigawa States.
The investment will facilitate the establishment of 84 climate-resilient facilities, comprising 39 primary healthcare centers and 45 schools, as part of the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative.
According to the statement, “CRIBS is an innovative program that pilots a new strategy to safeguard essential health and education services against the escalating threats posed by climate change. Nigeria ranks second worldwide in climate-related risks to children, with millions impacted each year by floods, droughts, and extreme heat.”
In light of these challenges, the CRIBS initiative implements targeted climate adaptation measures to fortify vulnerable infrastructure.
The inauguration of the model facilities signifies a pivotal achievement, highlighting scalable and community-driven solutions that can be replicated throughout Nigeria by federal and state authorities.
Cynthia Rowe, Development Director at the British High Commission in Abuja, expressed her pride in the UK’s contribution through the £19 million CRIBS investment.
“This initiative has been made possible through robust partnerships involving the federal government of Nigeria, the UK government, UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, Sextant Foundation, JigSaw, Fab Inc., Crown Agents, and the UK Lafiya Programme,” she noted.
“CRIBS illustrates how climate-resilient infrastructure can enhance access to essential services for vulnerable populations,” Ms. Rowe added.
Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, commended the collaboration and the program’s impact.
“Investing in climate-smart infrastructure not only protects services but also empowers communities to secure a better future for their children. CRIBS exemplifies how we can build resilience where it matters most—at the frontline of service delivery,” stated the UNICEF official.
This initiative aligns with national and state priorities regarding climate action, health, and education, underscoring the UK’s continuous support for Nigeria’s endeavors to mitigate climate risks and improve service delivery.
Launched in April 2024 and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), CRIBS has been developed through a partnership-driven approach, providing a comprehensive, cost-effective, and scalable model of climate-resilient infrastructure tailored to the needs of vulnerable communities.
Following its success in Kano and Jigawa, CRIBS has now extended its reach to Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina states.
(NAN)
