The African Development Bank has said that Africa loses $2.4 trillion annually in terms of annual GDP as a result of the lack of investment in the health sector while Nigeria loses $1 billion monthly by not banning medical tourism.
The head of the AFDP mission to Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Omilani, stated this during a courtesy visit to Lagos state governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He assured that the bank will help to develop the economy of the state to the 21st century economy, by developing the state health sector, adding that,” we will also help Nigeria to save $1 billion it is losing monthly by not banning medical tourism”.
Responding, the Lagos State Governor said, “We believe in the leadership of your bank. We believe the leadership is very serious, and that is why you are here and we are happy that you have used Lagos as a test case. We want to assure you that we are not just only ready; we are business- ready”.
He explained that the government is also financing-ready in whatever form the bank wants to be engaged,adding that, “We are not just happy to be helped out, we see it as a partnership.”
World Bank impacting women development, diversifying Niger economy – Regional Director
The Regional Director of World Bank, West and East Africa, Mr. Chakib Jenane has explained that the Nigeria for Women Project (NWP) is impacting positively on the economic development of women in Niger State.
He also confirmed that another project initiated by the bank named the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has tremendously assisted in the diversification of the economy of Niger state.
Mr Jenane made these assertions Friday during an assessment tour of World Bank projects in Niger state
Received by the Secretary to the Niger State Government ( SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, the Regional Director expressed satisfaction with the success performance recorded in the implementation of the projects.
He said, “there is already an impressive and positive impact of the projects in Niger State which covers many aspects including the preservation of the environment, agro climatic resilience project and diversifying the economy through supporting the livestock sector”.
According to him, “the introduction of the Nigeria for Women project is in recognition of the important roles played by women in economic development”.
He expressed delight with the success stories of the World Bank projects in Niger State and promised to give more support to the state going forward.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Abubakar Usman affirmed government commitment to providing all the needed support to development partners for the overall development of the State.
He said, ” the Niger State Government appreciates the World Bank for the three key projects being executed in the state. Government will continued to partner with development agencies and ensure that funds provided to the state are always judiciously used”.
