Abuja, Nigeria, 20 August 2020: The Government of Japan has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria with a contribution of $3,394,286 (equivalent to N1.3 billion) to support the Government of Nigeria's health sector and broader socio-economic response to the impact and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support is part of Japan's global funding to 29 countries and a total contribution to UNDP of USD 63,635,654.

In Nigeria, the contribution will go towards the procurement of medical supplies and equipment to aid the healthcare response; address the socio-economic needs of vulnerable groups through cash for work and support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The funding will also aid impact assessments to establish post COVID-19 strategies in Nigeria and measures to support crisis management and response for the country. 

The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr KIKUTA Yutaka, stated, "It is time to work together and increase our efforts to assist communities, which are facing daunting challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic. Japan's contribution will help to accelerate Nigeria's response and strategies for recovery in an integrated way that helps to foster development pathways to strengthen communities' future resilience."

COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities and created new inequalities, which are hitting the most vulnerable people the hardest. Up to 100 million more people are likely to be pushed further into extreme poverty in 2020, 1.4 billion children affected by school closures; and, record-level unemployment and loss of livelihoods, the impact of COVID-19 will massively curtail development gains. UNDP, as the UN's technical lead agency on the socio-economic response, works with Governments to help countries recover better from the COVID-19 crisis, putting forward practical help, solutions, and new tools in four key areas: governance, social protection, green economy and, digital disruption with a focus on the most vulnerable groups, and an eye to the future.

"Similar to other countries across the world, it is evident that Covid-19 has placed immense pressure on the health system in Nigeria, but it is also pushing millions of people further into poverty. While that crisis continues to evolve, the pandemic will have a huge, unprecedented socio-economic impact on the lives of communities, especially the poorest and vulnerable people. We are grateful for the funding from the Government of Japan, which will boost Nigeria's roadmap for recovery, post the COVID-19 crisis." said Mohamed Yahya, UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria. 

The Government of Japan is a longstanding partner of UNDP both globally and in Nigeria, with strong support towards the realisation of human security. Japan is also providing funding for UNDP's early recovery work in the Northeast of Nigeria enhancing livelihood opportunities for communities affected by the insurgency and supporting Peace Support Operations in partnership with the National Defense College based in Abuja. 

For more information and media enquiries contact:

Ngele Ali – Head of Communications and Partnerships, UNDP Nigeria | +234 (0)90 7031 1732 | ngele.ali@undp.org

Rejoice Emmanuel – Communications Associate, UNDP Nigeria | +234 809 494 4102 | rejoice.emmanuel@undp.org