On Wednesday in Abuja, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, unveiled plans to invest at least $2.8 billion into Nigeria’s healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors.

Speaking at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Gates stressed the need to focus on Nigeria’s most valuable asset—its people—to address the country’s economic challenges.

As the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has been a staunch advocate for Nigeria, with his commitment totalling over $2.8 billion—the largest philanthropic investment in Africa.

His address highlighted the pressing issues Nigeria faces, including economic stagnation and rising national debt.

Gates emphasized the necessity of prioritizing primary healthcare, noting that without health, there are limited growth opportunities

He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s wealth, the country spends only N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a situation he believes needs significant change.

He urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding and ensure efficient use of healthcare resources.

He commended recent achievements, such as the HPV vaccination campaign that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in a month but called for ongoing improvements, particularly in data-driven healthcare decision-making and workforce management.

Addressing nutrition, Gates highlighted the critical issue of child malnutrition in Nigeria, which is linked to nearly half of all child deaths.

He advocated for greater involvement from the private sector in food fortification and urged state governments to enforce nutritional mandates.

Gates also discussed affordable maternal health interventions, such as multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), which could prevent anaemia and save numerous newborn lives.

In the agricultural sector, he expressed concern over Nigeria’s food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate agricultural practices.

He recommended increased investment in extension services, fertilizers, and infrastructure to support farmers, as well as the adoption of innovative crop varieties with higher yields and pest resistance, such as new cassava varieties supported by the Gates Foundation.

Reaffirming his long-term commitment to Nigeria and Africa, Gates acknowledged the challenges in transforming the country’s prospects but remained optimistic.

He believes that with smart investments, innovative strategies, and dedicated leadership, Nigeria can achieve a brighter future.

“By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future,” Gates asserted, expressing his continued faith in Nigeria’s potential and the crucial role of its leaders.