- Focus on sustaining humanitarian efforts
BY SAM OTUONYE
The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning today hosted a high-level meeting with the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Nigeria to discuss the renewal of the Federal Cooperation Agreement and to bolster collaboration for uninterrupted humanitarian operations across the country.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts while recognising the key challenges impacting service delivery across several states.
He listed the challenges as including limited infrastructure in many LGAs, weak laboratory capacity due to electricity and equipment gaps, and insufficient or poorly maintained ambulance and emergency services.
Others are 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.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to improve coordination, accountability, and long-term development planning. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems, expand economic opportunities, support agriculture, and promote sustainable local structures that reduce reliance on external aid.
Speaking on behalf of MSF, Country Director Dr. Pitchou Kayembe expressed sincere gratitude for the collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and reiterated MSF’s commitment to maintaining life-saving humanitarian services. He highlighted MSF’s longstanding involvement in Nigeria and underscored:
- 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
- Collaboration with ministries on policy coordination and service provision
- Dedication to correct procedures, fair process, and programme enhancement.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced but reaffirmed MSF’s commitment to maintain high-quality medical and humanitarian aid.
Dr Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed her appreciation for MSF’s contributions, recalling her own past experience working closely with the organisation.
She praised MSF’s commitment to reaching remote northern communities and reaffirmed the Ministry’s promise to fully back the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
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.
Both parties pledged to collaborate in enhancing health outcomes, increasing programme transparency, and fortifying partnerships.
Medicine San Frontiere (MSF), also known as “Doctors Without Borders”, is a globally renowned, international, non-profit humanitarian organisation.
MSF-Spain, a vital part of the MSF movement, which provides impartial medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, and healthcare exclusion, without discrimination, has been operating in Nigeria since 1996, demonstrating a long-standing partnership with the Federal Government.
The organisation currently implements healthcare projects in 11 states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno, Ebonyi, and Cross River. Its focused operations include supporting General Hospitals in Shinkafi and Zurmi (Zamfara) and maintaining a mobile emergency response team.
