Tinubu confers CFR on Bill Gates as Nigeria partners Gates Foundation on AI initiative

Summary

• President Tinubu awards Bill Gates the CFR honour for his contributions to Nigeria’s health and development
• Nigeria and the Gates Foundation sign a $7.5 million deal to launch an AI Scaling Hub for national growth
• The visit sparks mixed reactions amid Gates’ broader commitment to Africa’s development

Lagos, Nigeria — On June 3, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, on Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The ceremony took place in Lagos and recognised Gates’ extensive support for Nigeria through the Gates Foundation, particularly in areas such as polio eradication, malaria control, healthcare improvement, and agricultural development for food security.

The award was announced by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, and coincided with Gates’ visit to Nigeria to engage with President Tinubu on reforms in the primary healthcare system.

In a related development, the federal government signed a $7.5 million agreement with the Gates Foundation to establish the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub. This initiative aims to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare, agriculture, and education across the country.

Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, made the announcement following a meeting with Gates and his delegation in Abuja.

Nigeria’s minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in conversation with Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The hub, described as a multi-stakeholder initiative, will bring together government agencies, private tech firms, academic institutions, and development organisations to support the responsible scaling of AI innovations.

The Gates Foundation’s investment, which will span three years, includes financial support, technical expertise, and capacity building for Nigerian innovators.

Uche Amaonwu, the foundation’s country director in Nigeria, highlighted the transformative role of AI in addressing the nation’s development challenges. Lagos Business School is also a key partner in the project.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Bill Gates, and their team in a group photo after discussions

While many see the CFR award and AI partnership as a step forward in boosting Nigeria’s profile and attracting further global aid, especially considering Gates’ broader pledge of $200 billion to Africa over two decades, others have questioned the timing and real impact of the moves with reactions remaining mixed amid debate ongoing debates.

Gates’ visit also ties into the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which celebrates local innovations in AI and ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare systems.