VP Kashim Shettima Lauds Gates Foundation, Backs Expanded Partnership

VP Kashim Shettima Lauds Gates Foundation, Backs Expanded Partnership for Nigeria’s DevelopmentVice President Kashim Shettima has commended the sustained investments and collaborative interventions of the Gates Foundation in Nigeria and pledged strong Federal Government support for an expanded partnership aimed at accelerating development goals across key sectors. Shettima made the remarks on Friday when he received a delegation from the Foundation led by the President of its Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, Mr. Hari Menon, at the State House, Abuja. Describing the Gates Foundation as a strategic development partner, the Vice President highlighted its sustained investments in health, nutrition, agriculture and digital transformation, and pledged that the Federal Government would support deepening and broadening collaboration to align with the broader reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We deeply appreciate the Gates Foundation. It is our strategic partner in the drive to change the Nigerian narrative,” Shettima said, underscoring that partnerships with global development institutions play a pivotal role in national progress. According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s potential as a continental economic powerhouse can be unlocked by integrating innovative solutions particularly in digital technologies, agricultural productivity and improved healthcare delivery with government policy and private sector capacities. Shettima also commended members of the Foundation’s Nigerian team for their commitment, describing them as dependable partners who consistently engage with government efforts to drive impact on the ground. Mr. Menon, in his remarks, said the Foundation is committed to deepening collaboration with Nigeria and its private sector to support long‑term economic transformation and development under the current reformist drive. The expanded partnership discussions focused on leveraging the Foundation’s expertise and resources to catalyse innovation, strengthen systems, and enhance human capital outcomes, in line with Nigeria’s national development objectives.