Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has addressed the United Kingdom Parliament on the recently launched Safe Schools Initiative, a component of the Government of Nigeria’s large scale intervention programme to counter terrorism within its borders and provide strong support to the areas of north-eastern Nigeria that have been affected by terrorism.
The Safe Schools Initiative aims to prevent future attacks on schools by installing modern alarm systems and proper fencing, facilitating community participation in protecting the schools, and training security guards.
The Initiative will also fund the reconstruction of schools that have been damaged or destroyed by terror attacks. Lighting for renovated schools is planned to include the introduction of modern and environmentally friendly sustainable systems such as solar power.
To ensure the programme's success, the Federal Government of Nigeria will work closely with state governments, local communities and the international community - led by the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown.
Funding for the Safe Schools Initiative is provided by the Government of Nigeria’s contribution of $10 million, with a matching contribution of $10 million from the Nigerian private sector. Additional financial support is expected from the African Development Bank, the Government of Norway, the World Bank and UK Department for International Development.
The Safe Schools Initiative is one of three components of the Federal Government’s wide-reaching counter terrorism strategy. The other components focus on the provision of emergency relief to affected communities and reconstruction of infrastructure and public facilities in north-eastern Nigeria.