Posted on: Tue 10-03-2026

The Federal Government on Monday held a high-level meeting with the leadership of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, to discuss the renewal of the Federal Cooperation Agreement and strengthen collaboration for uninterrupted humanitarian operations across the country.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting humanitarian interventions while acknowledging key structural challenges affecting service delivery in several states.

Bagudu identified major obstacles confronting humanitarian and healthcare programmes to include limited infrastructure in many local government areas, weak laboratory capacity due to electricity shortages and equipment gaps, as well as inadequate or poorly maintained ambulance and emergency services.

He also pointed to uneven health system performance across wards and regions, persistent disparities in development indicators particularly in northern states community perceptions affecting programme acceptance, and the need for improved allocation and management of public resources.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Julie Osagie-Jacobs, the minister said the government remained committed to improving coordination, accountability, and long-term development planning.

According to him, ongoing government initiatives are aimed at strengthening health systems, expanding economic opportunities, supporting agriculture, and building sustainable local structures that reduce reliance on external humanitarian aid.

Speaking on behalf of MSF, Country Director, Pitchou Kayembe, expressed appreciation for the longstanding collaboration with the Federal Government and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to sustaining life-saving humanitarian services in Nigeria.

Kayembe highlighted MSF’s continued engagement with government stakeholders in operational coordination, project supervision, site inspections, and programme verification.

While acknowledging operational challenges faced by humanitarian workers, he reaffirmed MSF’s determination to maintain high-quality medical and humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Deborah Odoh, commended the organisation’s contributions to healthcare delivery, recalling her previous experience working closely with MSF.

Odoh particularly praised the organisation’s efforts in reaching remote communities in northern Nigeria and assured that the ministry would continue to support ongoing humanitarian initiatives.

Both parties emphasised the urgent need to renew the cooperation agreement in order to prevent any disruption to essential humanitarian services benefiting communities across Nigeria.

They also pledged to deepen collaboration aimed at improving health outcomes, strengthening programme transparency, and reinforcing strategic partnerships.

Médecins Sans Frontières is a globally recognised international humanitarian organisation that provides impartial medical assistance to populations affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, and limited access to healthcare.

The organisation has operated in Nigeria since 1996 and currently implements healthcare projects in 11 states, including Zamfara State, Sokoto State, Kebbi State, Borno State, Ebonyi State, and Cross River State.

Its operations include support for general hospitals in Shinkafi and Zurmi in Zamfara State, as well as the deployment of mobile emergency response teams to address urgent health needs in underserved communities.

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