Nigeria has received a £19 million funding boost to develop climate-resilient health and education facilities across the country.
The announcement came during the joint inauguration of 84 upgraded facilities 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools in Kano and Jigawa states under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) programme. CRIBS is designed to protect essential services from the growing threats of climate change.
This initiative brings together the Federal Government of Nigeria, state authorities, the UK government, UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, JigSaw, Fab Inc, Crown Agents UK Lafiya Programme, and the Sextant Foundation. The programme demonstrates how low-cost, scalable solutions can strengthen infrastructure while benefiting local communities.
Nigeria is ranked second globally in climate-related risks to children, with floods, droughts, and extreme heat affecting millions annually. CRIBS helps healthcare and education facilities adapt to these challenges, ensuring services remain accessible and effective.
The renovated facilities feature climate-smart adaptations, with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, site visits, and media engagements showcasing their tangible benefits for communities.
Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission in Abuja, said, “This £19m commitment highlights how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to essential services. CRIBS provides a model that can be replicated nationwide to protect vulnerable populations.”
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Wafaa Saeed added, “Investing in climate-smart infrastructure empowers communities to safeguard their children’s future. CRIBS demonstrates how resilience can be built at the frontline of service delivery.”
