The German government, in partnership with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM), has committed €4.8 million towards a four-year disability fund aimed at supporting communities in Northwest Nigeria.
Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, CEO of CBM, announced the project’s launch alongside representatives from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable change, stating, “Building resilience and achieving sustainable change requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment.”
Dr. Brockhaus also thanked the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development for its support, noting that this grant represents the largest BMZ co-financed project CBM has received in Nigeria.
Nike Akinbola, Head of Development, Partnership, and Programme Unit at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, commended CBM’s ongoing efforts, describing the project as a significant milestone. She highlighted the urgent need for intervention in Northwest Nigeria, where insurgency has led to an increase in disability cases.
“Disability cases have risen in the Northwest, and existing interventions are limited. This project will bring much-needed support to persons with disabilities,” Akinbola remarked.
CBM Nigeria’s Humanitarian Programme Coordinator, Ishaku Karagama, explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen resilience in conflict-affected communities across Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, focusing on disability inclusion. The project is co-financed by BMZ’s Transnational Development Assistance.
Samuel Omoi, CBM Nigeria’s Country Director, reiterated the organization’s commitment to inclusion, highlighting the severe impact of crises on persons with disabilities. He added, “In Nigeria, over 2.9 million people are internally displaced, 13 million are facing acute hunger, and 2.4 million require urgent humanitarian assistance.”
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency, officially began on November 1, 2024, and will run until December 31, 2028.
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