North West Nigeria to receive €4.8m German Government disability fund

North West Nigeria to Receive €4.88 Million Disability Fund from Germany

In a significant development for disability support in North West Nigeria, the German government has announced a €4,888,888 disability fund aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities over the next four years. The funding, facilitated through the German Ministry’s humanitarian assistance and in collaboration with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), was officially launched by CBM’s CEO, Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

During the launch, Dr. Brockhaus underscored the crucial role of partnerships in fostering sustainable advancements in disability management. “Achieving long-term change and building resilience demands strong alliances and a collective commitment,” he remarked.

He also expressed appreciation to the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for its support, highlighting that the €4.8 million TDA grant represents the largest financial contribution CBM has secured from BMZ in Nigeria thus far.

Nike Akinbola, the Head of Development, Partnership, and Programme Unit at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, praised CBM for its ongoing dedication to disability inclusion within humanitarian efforts. “I wholeheartedly commend the launch of this project. CBM has consistently advocated for disability inclusion, and this initiative marks another significant milestone for the organization,” she stated.

Akinbola drew attention to the urgency of the project, noting the increasing prevalence of disabilities in Northwest Nigeria, particularly due to the ongoing insurgency crisis. “The rise in disability cases in the Northwest has been concerning, and the scope of intervention has been limited. I am truly excited about this initiative as it presents another opportunity for persons with disabilities to gain essential benefits,” she expressed.

CBM’s Humanitarian Programme Coordinator for Nigeria, Ishaku Karagama, elaborated on the project’s objectives, which focus on bolstering the resilience of communities affected by conflict in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, with particular emphasis on the inclusion of persons with disabilities. He mentioned that the initiative is co-financed through BMZ’s Transnational Development Assistance.

Samuel Omoi, the Country Director of CBM Nigeria, reiterated the importance of inclusion in their mission. “In times of crisis, whether caused by conflict or natural disasters, it is individuals with disabilities who suffer the most,” he emphasized. Omoi further highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions in Nigeria, pointing out that over 2.9 million people are displaced, more than 13 million face severe hunger, and 2.4 million have acute humanitarian needs.

The collaborative project, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency, officially commenced on November 1, 2024, and is scheduled to run until December 31, 2028.