Bill Gates, a co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has urged the federal and state governments to increase their healthcare spending, criticising the fact that just $10 is allocated to each Nigerian per year.
Gates said Nigeria is full of smart individuals with great potential, but it will be challenging to realise that potential if there is a lack of access to the most fundamental necessities of life. Gates was speaking at the Youth Innovation Forum in Lagos on Wednesday.
“It may not surprise you that Nigeria’s state and federal governments only spend the equivalent of $10 per person on health each year, compared to $31 in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Leaders need to make a much bigger financial commitment, focused most of all on improving primary health systems.
“Making sure clinics are well-staffed and supplied, making sure children get the vaccines they need—all of this is absolutely essential to improving health and opportunity and unlocking all of Nigeria’s potential,” he said.
The business mogul and philanthropist said that because of the enormous potential of modern technology, he has faith in Nigerian youths to make a difference in their nation and abroad.
Noting that Nigerians living in urban areas are twice as likely to use digital payments as those living in rural regions, he urged the government and other stakeholders to guarantee fair access to opportunities and innovations.
