Ebonyi Government Faces Criticism Over World Bank Grant

Civil society organizations in Ebonyi State have accused the state government of failing to qualify for a $27 million World Bank grant, which is part of a $500 million initiative aimed at enhancing basic education and healthcare. The coalition, which includes the Human Right Volunteer Corp and the Human Right Action Group, called for accountability and improvements in fiscal governance, procurement integrity, and budget execution.

They highlighted that Ebonyi State is the only state in the southeastern region, apart from Anambra, that did not access the incentive fund due to failure to meet performance targets. The organizations pointed out that Ebonyi is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, struggling with education and healthcare, and urged the government to strengthen fiscal management and transparency.

In response, the Ebonyi State Government dismissed the allegations as misleading and politically motivated, asserting that the claims were unfounded.