In an effort to improve governance, combat climate change, education, health, and the economy, the federal government of Nigeria signed eight cooperation agreements with the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday. The agreements were valued at around N589 billion (£272.6 million).

Both the UK Charge d’ Affaires, Ms. Cynthia Rowe, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, promised to working together in those vital areas when they signed the program implementation agreements.

Speaking during the event in Abuja, Bagudu said he was grateful for the UK government’s assistance and called it a noteworthy gesture of goodwill.

Noting that “many economies in the world are going through turbulent times” and that “Nigeria and the UK are not exceptions,” he stated that the timing of the implementation agreement was noteworthy given the declining trend of global economies.

The minister commended the UK for having a partnership mentality that allowed it to help other nations in spite of its economic difficulties.

Because these accords address global challenges, Bagudu pointed out that some will benefit more than Nigeria.

“Health is no longer a local issue,” he declared. We were reminded that we live in a common cosmos via COVID-19. A universal phenomenon is the climate. The problem of governance is no longer local. Forced migration, conflicts, or the proliferation of weapons can all result from poor governance in one nation and impact other others.

The minister also emphasised the recent economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he lamented had created some unease among the populace.

He clarified, though, that they were a component of the agenda’s Renewed Hope strategies, which were designed to achieve macroeconomic stability and encourage international and domestic investment—all essential for the country’s economic growth and development.

Bagudu stated that the accords acknowledged the possibility that, despite a nation’s best efforts, it might not have all the resources required to achieve its developmental needs. He also stated that Nigeria was certain that, with cooperative partners, it would overcome its obstacles.

The minister stated that the implementation agreements were the 15th to be signed by the ministry in less than a month, and he thanked the charge d’affaires for her collaboration and help in making sure they were completed.

Rowe conveyed her sympathy to Nigeria for the recent flooding in several areas and described how

She commended the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for being a crucial partner that has shaped the relations and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s long-standing cooperation.

She stated that the recently announced implementation agreements will supplement the more than £1 billion that had been allocated to various programs in various states throughout the nation.

“I am passionate about working with the government to advance Nigeria’s development agenda and the UK’s close relationship with that country,” the speaker stated.

“We are delivering real improvements for people in health, education, governance, our work with women and girls, and aiding where there is humanitarian need. The signing of these important agreements today builds on our support worth over £1 billion.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the implementation agency, has been actively involved in various areas of the nation’s development for decades, indicating a sustained commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability. This covers economic transformation, people-to-people ties between the UK and Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin Conflict, and human development.

Four specific goals have been established by the FCDO for the collaboration agreements. These include making sincere and trustworthy investments, giving women and girls the opportunity to achieve, increasing the provision of life-saving assistance during emergencies, and encouraging sustainable economic growth.

These objectives seek to assist Nigeria in becoming a more resilient, inclusive, stable, thriving, and healthy political system.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the implementation agency, has been actively involved in various areas of the nation’s development for decades, indicating a sustained commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity and stability. This covers economic transformation, people-to-people ties between the UK and Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin Conflict, and human development.

Four specific goals have been established by the FCDO for the collaboration agreements. These include making sincere and trustworthy investments, giving women and girls the opportunity to achieve, increasing the provision of life-saving assistance during emergencies, and encouraging sustainable economic growth.

These objectives seek to assist Nigeria in becoming a more resilient, inclusive, stable, thriving, and healthy political system.

The Human Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP), with a three-year budget of N324 billion (£150 million), is the flagship deal. Its objectives are to deliver on the comprehensive evaluation of a previous program called “Force for Good Agenda” and to offer the Northeast vital humanitarian aid.

It is followed by a N84 billion (£83.8 million) spending plan for the Nigeria Governance and Climate Change Programme (NGCP).

Its objectives are to: strengthen election delivery and credibility; increase state government income from internally generated revenue; mainstream climate action in state government policy, planning, and budgets; and support coalitions interacting with the government on issues related to climate and governance that impact the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

Additionally, a contract for Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) was signed. Its goals include lowering violence and assisting Nigerian communities in better adjusting to the consequences of climate change.

With a N82 billion (£38 million) budget, SPRING will help residents of Northern Nigeria’s vulnerable regions experience more peace, security, justice, and climate resilience while also reducing rural violence.

The following agreements have been reached: N41 billion (£19 million) for Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS); N26 billion (£12 million) for Building Resilience in Nigeria’s Nutrition Stockpile (BRINNS); N8.3 billion (£3.8 million) for Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI); and N24 billion (£11 million) for SHAN.

The final agreement is Manufacture Africa, which aims to give African nations N151 billion (£70 million) in technical support in order to promote the inclusive economic change necessary to generate jobs for the future.