As climate change and environmental degradation continue to threaten public infrastructure, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched the second phase of its Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) project, targeting schools and hospitals in Jigawa State.
The first phase of the project, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), was piloted in Kano and Jigawa States. Its success paved the way for the second phase, which has been expanded to more states across Nigeria.
At a stakeholders’ meeting to inaugurate the second phase of the programme, UNICEF Chief of Field Office for Kano, Mr Shafeequr Rahman, said the CRIBS initiative aims to upgrade 24 facilities, including 14 primary healthcare centres and 10 basic schools, in Jigawa State.
He noted that the intervention is designed to provide the state governments and the general public with a model of infrastructure capable of withstanding floods, windstorms, and other natural disasters linked to climate change.
Mr Rahman further stated that providing such climate-resilient infrastructure ensures the sustainability of essential public services, particularly in education and healthcare.
“We are going to collaborate with the state government, local communities, and traditional rulers in executing the project, and we are determined to ensure its success surpasses that of the first phase,” he said.
“We have learned valuable lessons from the pilot project. Now, as we enter the second phase, we are optimistic that with collaboration from all stakeholders, the project will yield fruitful results in enhancing access to basic education and healthcare services for hundreds of children in the state.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Taura Local Government Council expressed gratitude to the state government, UNICEF, and other stakeholders for selecting his local government as one of the beneficiary areas in the state.
He assured UNICEF and all partners of the council’s full support in implementing the project to achieve its goals.