On Monday, September 8, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in Jigawa State, Nigeria, as the United Kingdom Government, through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), officially handed over a series of climate-resilient infrastructure projects to the Jigawa State Government. This initiative, designed to fortify basic services such as education and healthcare against the growing impacts of climate change, marks a transformative step toward sustainable development in one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. The ceremony, held at Chamo Primary School and Chamo Primary Health Care Centre in Dutse Local Government Area, was attended by key stakeholders, including state officials, international development partners, and community representatives.
The handover event symbolized a shared commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring that essential services remain accessible and functional for communities in Jigawa State. The infrastructure, developed under the Climate-Resilient Infrastructure for Basic Services (CRIBS) project, is part of a broader effort to create scalable, evidence-based solutions that can withstand environmental shocks such as flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-related disruptions. The initiative not only provides immediate benefits to local communities but also sets a precedent for climate adaptation strategies across Nigeria and potentially beyond.
The CRIBS Project: A Vision for Resilience
The CRIBS project, fully funded by the UK Government through the FCDO, represents a pioneering approach to addressing the vulnerabilities of critical public infrastructure in the face of climate change. The project focuses on primary healthcare facilities and schools, which are often the backbone of community welfare but are increasingly at risk due to environmental challenges. By integrating climate-resilient design principles, the initiative aims to ensure that these facilities can continue to operate effectively, even under adverse conditions.
Mrs. Cynthia Rowe, Development Director of the FCDO, spoke at the handover ceremony, emphasizing the project’s innovative framework. “The CRIBS project is about creating a scalable model that assesses the climate risks and vulnerabilities faced by primary healthcare facilities and schools,” she explained. “Our goal is to ensure that these essential services remain operational and accessible, no matter the environmental challenges. The interventions we’ve implemented are designed to make these facilities more resilient to climate shocks, from floods to extreme temperatures.”
The project’s methodology is grounded in a novel tool developed specifically for evaluating climate risks. This tool enables stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure and apply targeted, evidence-based solutions to mitigate them. By focusing on scalability, the CRIBS project seeks to serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with similar challenges. The handover of 54 rehabilitated facilities across 15 Local Government Areas in Jigawa and Kano States demonstrates the project’s tangible impact and its potential for replication.
Transformative Infrastructure Upgrades
The infrastructure handed over to the Jigawa State Government includes a range of upgrades designed to enhance resilience against climate-related challenges. These upgrades were carefully selected based on rigorous assessments of local environmental conditions and the specific needs of the communities they serve. Key features of the rehabilitated facilities include:
Flood-resistant foundations: In a region prone to seasonal flooding, these foundations are critical to ensuring that buildings remain structurally sound and functional during heavy rains. By elevating structures and using durable materials, the project minimizes the risk of water damage and ensures long-term usability.
Stormwater management systems: Effective drainage systems have been installed to channel excess water away from facilities, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. These systems are designed to handle extreme rainfall events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Natural ventilation: To address rising temperatures and reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, the rehabilitated facilities incorporate natural ventilation solutions. These include strategically placed windows, vents, and shading structures that promote airflow and maintain comfortable indoor conditions.
Sustainable materials and designs: The project prioritizes environmentally friendly materials that are both durable and locally sourced where possible. This not only enhances the resilience of the infrastructure but also supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint of the construction process.
These upgrades were applied to 54 facilities, including primary schools and healthcare centers, across Jigawa and Kano States. The Chamo Primary School and Chamo Primary Health Care Centre, where the handover ceremony took place, serve as prime examples of the project’s impact. These facilities have been transformed into models of climate resilience, capable of withstanding environmental stressors while continuing to provide essential services to the community.
Governor Namadi’s Commitment to Sustainability
The handover ceremony was graced by the presence of Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, who expressed deep gratitude for the partnership between the FCDO, UNICEF, and the state government. In his address, Governor Namadi highlighted the critical role of the CRIBS project in securing the future of education and healthcare in Jigawa State. “We deeply appreciate the concern and commitment of FCDO and UNICEF to the development of Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole, particularly in the critical sectors of health and education,” he stated. “This initiative is not just about infrastructure; it’s about building a sustainable future for our children and communities.”
Governor Namadi also emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the projects. “We assure our development partners that every project undertaken for the betterment of our citizens will be maintained and sustained,” he said. “Our administration is fully dedicated to ensuring that these facilities continue to serve our people effectively for years to come.”
This commitment is particularly significant given the challenges of maintaining infrastructure in resource-constrained settings. To support this goal, the CRIBS project includes a sustainable operation and maintenance mechanism, as highlighted by UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed. “The project doesn’t end with the handover of these facilities,” Saeed noted. “We’ve worked to establish systems that will ensure their long-term functionality, from regular maintenance schedules to community engagement in upkeep efforts. This approach ensures that the benefits of the CRIBS project will endure for generations.”
UNICEF’s Role in Driving Innovation
UNICEF, as a key implementing partner, played a pivotal role in the design and execution of the CRIBS project. Wafaa Saeed, speaking at the ceremony, underscored the organization’s commitment to addressing the intersection of climate change and child welfare. “Climate change poses a significant threat to the well-being of children, particularly in vulnerable regions like Jigawa State,” she said. “Through the CRIBS project, we’ve developed a novel tool for evaluating climate risks and applying evidence-based solutions that prioritize the needs of children and their communities.”
The tool developed by UNICEF is a cornerstone of the project’s success. It allows for a systematic assessment of climate risks, taking into account factors such as local weather patterns, topography, and the specific vulnerabilities of schools and healthcare facilities. By combining data-driven analysis with practical interventions, the tool ensures that investments in infrastructure are both effective and sustainable.
Saeed also highlighted the project’s focus on equity. “The impacts of climate change are not felt equally,” she said. “Vulnerable populations, including children and rural communities, are often the hardest hit. The CRIBS project is designed to address these disparities by ensuring that essential services remain accessible to those who need them most.”
Broader Implications for Nigeria and Beyond
The handover of climate-resilient infrastructure in Jigawa State is more than a local achievement; it represents a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change. Nigeria, as one of the countries most affected by climate-related challenges, faces increasing risks from flooding, desertification, and extreme weather events. These challenges threaten to undermine progress in education, healthcare, and economic development, particularly in northern states like Jigawa.
The CRIBS project offers a model for how governments and development partners can work together to build resilience at the community level. By focusing on critical infrastructure such as schools and healthcare centers, the project addresses immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term adaptation to climate change. The scalability of the project’s approach makes it a potential template for other states in Nigeria and countries facing similar challenges.
Moreover, the collaboration between the UK Government, UNICEF, and the Jigawa State Government demonstrates the power of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. The FCDO’s funding and technical expertise, combined with UNICEF’s on-the-ground experience and community engagement, have created a synergy that maximizes impact. The involvement of local stakeholders, including the Jigawa State Government and community leaders, ensures that the project is grounded in local realities and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
For the communities in Jigawa State, the benefits of the CRIBS project are immediate and tangible. At Chamo Primary School, for example, students now have access to a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and resilient to climate shocks. Teachers can focus on delivering quality education without worrying about the structural integrity of their classrooms during heavy rains or extreme heat. Similarly, at the Chamo Primary Health Care Centre, healthcare workers can provide essential services in a facility designed to withstand environmental challenges, ensuring that patients receive care when they need it most.
The project’s emphasis on sustainability also means that these benefits will extend far into the future. By involving local communities in the maintenance of the facilities, the CRIBS project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Community members are trained in basic upkeep tasks, such as clearing drainage systems and monitoring structural conditions, ensuring that the infrastructure remains functional for years to come.
Looking ahead, the success of the CRIBS project in Jigawa and Kano States could pave the way for its expansion to other regions. The scalable model developed through the project can be adapted to different environmental and social contexts, making it a versatile tool for addressing climate challenges. As climate change continues to reshape the global landscape, initiatives like CRIBS will play a critical role in building resilient communities and safeguarding essential services.
Conclusion
The handover of climate-resilient infrastructure to the Jigawa State Government on September 8, 2025, marks a significant achievement in the fight against climate change and its impacts on vulnerable communities. Through the CRIBS project, the UK Government, UNICEF, and the Jigawa State Government have demonstrated what is possible when innovative solutions, international collaboration, and local commitment come together. The rehabilitated schools and healthcare facilities, equipped with flood-resistant foundations, stormwater management systems, and natural ventilation, are a testament to the power of forward-thinking design and investment in resilience.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s pledge to ensure the sustainability of these projects, combined with UNICEF’s innovative tools and the FCDO’s financial and technical support, sets a strong foundation for long-term success. As Nigeria and the world continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the CRIBS project offers a beacon of hope and a model for how to protect the most vulnerable while building a more resilient future. The 54 facilities handed over in Jigawa and Kano States are not just buildings; they are symbols of progress, partnership, and a shared commitment to a better tomorrow.
