By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has secured a $62.8 million concessional loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to strengthen climate-resilient school infrastructure and expand inclusive access to education for vulnerable children nationwide.
The Federal Government announced the development in Abuja during celebrations marking Kuwait’s 65th National Day and 35th Liberation Day.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, represented by Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, explained that the financing agreement, signed in 2025, reflects the deepening partnership between Nigeria and Kuwait and their shared commitment to human capital development.
Ahmed said the loan will be used to upgrade school infrastructure to withstand climate-related challenges, improve teacher training, and ensure better access to quality education for girls and children with disabilities.
He highlighted that the collaboration demonstrates how bilateral relations are translating into tangible social impact, with Kuwait remaining a trusted development partner.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that Nigeria and Kuwait are expanding engagement in areas such as agriculture, food security, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and digital connectivity, adding that subnational governments are also positioning themselves to attract Kuwaiti investment.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Salim Almuzayen, described the celebration as a testament to enduring partnerships built on mutual respect and sustainable development.
Almuzayen cited the “Reaching Out-of-School Children” initiative in Kaduna State, funded by the Kuwait Fund in collaboration with UNICEF, as a key example of bilateral cooperation aimed at reintegrating over 200,000 out-of-school children into formal education.
He added that Kuwait’s development engagement is anchored on a moderate foreign policy and a long-term vision for shared prosperity. Since its establishment in 1961, the Kuwait Fund has financed projects in over 100 countries across sectors including education, health, and infrastructure.
The $62.8 million facility is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms, particularly as climate adaptation and inclusive access remain central to national development priorities.
The initiative reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring equitable education, improving school resilience against climate change, and creating opportunities for vulnerable populations across the country.
