By Asmau Ahmad
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it is assisting the Nigerian government with additional $243 million to improve health, education, agriculture, water, and good governance to attain sustainable development goals.
According to a statement issued by the U.S mission in Nigeria on Wednesday, the new funding will support activities to build a healthier population with $165 million, assist with malaria control, supporting maternal and child health, family planning, eradication of tuberculosis, and nutrition initiatives.
It stated that another $25 million will focus on strengthening basic literacy and education in the north, while $22 million will help drive inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led economic growth.
In addition, the USAID’s program will focus on broad-based economic growth, resilience, and the development of safely-managed water supply and sanitation services in urban areas.
It added that finally, $21million in funding will be dedicated to activities aimed at strengthening political competition and
consensus-building, promoting good governance and for efforts to strengthen civil society organizations.
According to the statement, the assistance is a continuation of the United States’ commitment to supporting the development goals outlined in the Development Objective Assistance Agreement signed with the government of Nigeria in 2015.
The USAID’s Mission Director, Mr. Stephen Haykin was quoted as saying that the contribution underscores the continued importance of the relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
”Our strong partnership with Nigeria, its institutions and its people will help their efforts to improve health, education, agriculture and governance systems where they are needed most throughout the country,” Haykin said.
According to the statement, the additional funding brings the total U.S. government assistance provided to the Nigerian people under this five-year agreement to $1.422 billion.
According to reports, USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help the nation’s progress beyond assistance.
In Nigeria, USAID supports health systems, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, trade-friendly economy.
