The United Kingdom Government has pledged £19 million to strengthen climate-resilient health and education infrastructure in Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Government, Kano and Jigawa State Governments, and UNICEF.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of 84 newly renovated climate-resilient schools and healthcare facilities under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative. The facilities—39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools—have been upgraded with climate adaptation measures to withstand floods, droughts, and extreme heat.
Nigeria ranks as the second most climate-risk-prone country for children globally, with millions affected annually by extreme weather events. CRIBS, launched in April 2024, is designed to protect essential services and provide scalable, community-driven models for resilience.
Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, said the initiative demonstrates how climate-smart infrastructure can safeguard vital services for vulnerable populations.
“The UK Government is proud to support Nigeria through this £19m commitment. CRIBS shows how low-cost, scalable infrastructure can improve access to basic services while building resilience against climate risks,” she noted.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, hailed the project as a model for climate adaptation, adding: “By investing in climate-smart infrastructure, we are not only protecting services but also empowering communities to safeguard their children’s future.”
The inauguration featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies, site visits, and community engagement activities. Officials said the success of CRIBS in Kano and Jigawa has laid the groundwork for expansion to Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
According to the organisers, the initiative underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s climate action, health, and education priorities, while offering a blueprint for broader adoption nationwide.
