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.

The 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 were 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.

Speaking on behalf of MSF, the 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.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, expressed her appreciation for MSF’s contributions, recalling her own experience working closely with the organisation.