Nigerian Government, Medical Charity Strengthen Collaboration

A high-level meeting took place yesterday between the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF, Nigeria, to discuss the renewal of the Federal Cooperation Agreement and bolster collaboration for uninterrupted humanitarian operations across the country.

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The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts during the ceremony, while also acknowledging the key challenges impacting service delivery across several states.

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According to Senator Bagudu, these challenges include limited infrastructure in many Local Government Areas, weak laboratory capacity due to electricity and equipment gaps, and insufficient or poorly maintained ambulance and emergency services.

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Other challenges listed by the Minister include uneven health-system performance across wards and regions, persistent disparities in development indicators, especially in northern states, community perceptions affecting acceptance and participation in programmes, and the need for better allocation and management of public resources.

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Senator Bagudu emphasized the federal government’s commitment to improve coordination, accountability, and long-term development planning, and also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems, expand economic opportunities, support agriculture, and promote sustainable local structures that reduce reliance on external aid.

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Dr Pitchou Kayembe, Country Director of MSF, expressed sincere gratitude for the collaboration with the government of Nigeria and reiterated MSF’s commitment to maintaining life-saving humanitarian services, highlighting the organization’s longstanding involvement in Nigeria.

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Dr Kayembe underscored MSF’s ongoing support and encouragement for field teams working in challenging conditions, active participation with government stakeholders on operational matters, ongoing project supervision, site inspections, and verification, as well as collaboration with ministries on policy coordination and service provision.

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He also acknowledged the difficulties faced but reaffirmed MSF’s commitment to maintain high-quality medical and humanitarian aid, and dedication to correct procedures, fair process, and programme enhancement.

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Dr Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, expressed appreciation for MSF’s contributions, recalling her past experience working closely with the organisation, and praised MSF’s commitment to reaching remote northern communities.

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Dr Odoh reaffirmed the ministry’s promise to fully back the ongoing humanitarian efforts, and the meeting ended with a shared understanding of the urgency of renewing the cooperation agreement to prevent any interruption in essential humanitarian services benefiting communities across Nigeria.

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Both parties pledged to collaborate to enhance health outcomes, increase programme transparency, and strengthen partnerships, marking a significant step forward in their cooperation.

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MSF, also known as “Doctors Without Borders”, is a globally renowned, international, non-profit humanitarian organisation that provides impartial medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, and healthcare exclusion, without discrimination.

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MSF-Spain, a vital part of the MSF movement, has been operating in Nigeria since 1996, demonstrating a long-standing partnership with the federal government, and currently implements healthcare projects in 11 states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Ebonyi, and Cross River.

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The organisation’s focused operations include supporting General Hospitals in Shinkafi and Zurmi, Zamfara, and maintaining a mobile emergency response team, underscoring its commitment to providing essential humanitarian services in Nigeria.