North West Nigeria is set to receive a €4.88 million disability fund from the German government, through its humanitarian assistance, and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) for a four-year period. The project was officially launched by CBM CEO, Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and other key stakeholders.
Dr. Brockhaus emphasized the significance of strong partnerships in driving sustainable changes in disability management. “Achieving sustainable change and building resilience requires strong collaborations and shared commitments,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) for their support, noting that this €4.8 million TDA grant is the largest BMZ co-financing CBM has received in Nigeria to date.
Nike Akinbola, Head of Development, Partnership, and Programme Unit at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, praised CBM for its ongoing commitment to disability inclusion. “CBM has long been a leader in disability inclusion, and this project is another significant achievement,” she stated, highlighting its timely launch in light of the increasing number of disability cases in Northwest Nigeria due to insurgency.
Ishaku Karagama, Humanitarian Programme Coordinator for CBM Nigeria, explained that the project aims to improve the resilience of conflict-affected communities in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, with a focus on ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities. The initiative is co-financed by BMZ’s Transnational Development Assistance.
Samuel Omoi, Country Director of CBM Nigeria, stressed that inclusion is central to their mission. “In times of crisis—whether caused by conflict or natural disasters—persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable,” he said. Omoi also highlighted the severe humanitarian situation in Nigeria, noting that over 2.9 million people are displaced, more than 13 million are facing acute hunger, and 2.4 million are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
The project, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), officially launched on November 1, 2024, and will run until December 31, 2028.
