*The United Kingdom Government affirms the 拢19 million funding commitment to developing climate-resilient health and education facilities the two states, in Nigeria, marked a significant milestone in demonstrating low cost, scalable, community-owned solutions to climate vulnerability across the country

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The United Kingdom (UK) Government has announced a 拢19 million funding commitment to developing Climate Resilient health and education facilities Kano and Jigawa States, in Nigeria.

The UK Government announced the development at a joint inauguration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Governments of Kano and Jigawa states, Northern Nigeria, and UNICEF for 84 climate-resilient schools and healthcare facilities under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative.

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CRIBS is a pioneering and innovative new approach to protect essential health and education services from the growing threats of climate change.

Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer at FCDO/British High Commission, in a statement issued Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Abuja, FCT, disclosed the stakeholders developed the initiative through a partnership which included UK Government, Nigerian Government, State Governments, as well as international and local organisations, including UNICEF, World Bank, WHO, JigSaw, Fab Incorporated, Crown Agents UK Lafiya Programme and Sextant Foundation.

The statement noted that Nigeria ranks second globally in climate-related risks to children, with millions affected annually by floods, droughts, and extreme heat.

However, in response to this challenge, the CRIBS approach has been developed to assess and strengthen Health and Education facilities.

According to the UK Government, 84 facilities, 39 primary healthcare centres and 45 schools in Kano and Jigawa states have been renovated through targeted climate adaptation measures thus far.

The BHC also said the inauguration of the facilities marked a significant milestone in demonstrating low cost, scalable, community-owned solutions to climate vulnerability that could be adopted by the Federal and state governments in the West African country.

The events further featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies, site visits, and media engagements, showcasing how climate-resilient infrastructure could protect essential health and education services to save lives and support children鈥檚 education in the country.

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Speaking on the events, Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at BHC, said: 鈥淭he UK Government is proud to support the Government of Nigeria through this 拢19m commitment to the CRIBS programme.

“This work has been developed through a partnership of organisations and experts including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the UK Government, UNICEF, World Bank, World Health Organization, Sextant Foundation, JigSaw, Fab Inc, Crown Agent and UK Lafiya Programme.”

Rowe stated: “CRIBS demonstrates how climate-resilient infrastructure can improve access to basic services for vulnerable populations. “We hope this model inspires broader replication across Nigeria.鈥�

In his remarks, Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, said: 鈥淭his initiative is a testament to what strong partnerships can achieve.

鈥淏y investing in climate-smart infrastructure, we are not only protecting services but also empowering communities to safeguard their children鈥檚 future. “CRIBS is a model for how we can build resilience where it matters most, at the frontline of service delivery.鈥�

The UK as well stressed the inauguration aligns with national and state priorities in climate action, health, and education, and reflects the UK鈥檚 commitment to supporting Nigeria鈥檚 efforts at minimising climate risks and improving service delivery.

About CRIBS

Launched April 2024, CRIBS is funded by FCDO, the UK Government, and developed through a partnership approach from a range of Nigeria Government and international organisations and experts.

The main implementing partner has been UNICEF. CRIBS is a comprehensive and systematic approach to developing affordable, high impact and scalable models of climate-resilient infrastructure for basic services, with a focus on vulnerable communities.

Based on the successful implementation of the approach in Kano and Jigawa States, the initiative is being expanded to include Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna and Katsina states.