ABUJA — The United Kingdom Government has pledged £19 million to support the development of climate-resilient health and education infrastructure in Nigeria, in a move aimed at safeguarding essential services from the escalating impacts of climate change.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, with UNICEF confirming that 84 climate-resilient schools and healthcare facilities had been jointly inaugurated under the Climate Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) initiative. The programme is a collaborative effort between the UK Government, UNICEF, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the governments of Kano and Jigawa States.
According to UNICEF, CRIBS represents a pioneering approach to fortifying critical social infrastructure against environmental threats such as flooding, extreme heat, and drought, which continue to disrupt basic service delivery across Nigeria. By integrating resilient construction methods and sustainable resource management, the initiative seeks to ensure that hospitals and schools remain operational even under severe climate stress.
UK officials noted that the funding commitment underscores Britain’s broader partnership with Nigeria in tackling climate change while strengthening human development. “Investing in resilient health and education facilities is not just about protecting infrastructure, it is about protecting lives, futures, and communities,” a statement from the UK Government read.
The Federal Ministry of Health welcomed the programme, describing it as timely support in addressing vulnerabilities that undermine healthcare delivery. Similarly, state representatives from Kano and Jigawa pledged to scale up the model, highlighting its potential to improve service access in rural and climate-sensitive communities.
Experts say the CRIBS initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, combining infrastructure resilience with long-term climate adaptation strategies.
The UK Government and UNICEF reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with Nigeria to expand the initiative, ensuring that vital services remain accessible to millions of citizens in the face of worsening climate shocks.
