Nigeria to Sign $500M Loan for HOPE Governance Programme

The Federal Government of Nigeria is preparing to sign a subsidiary loan agreement with all 36 states to facilitate participation in the $500 million World Bank-assisted HOPE Governance Programme. This initiative aims to enhance service delivery in basic education and primary healthcare at the subnational level.

Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, disclosed this during a courtesy visit from the HOPE Governance team at the World Bank. She emphasized the need for collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to expedite the process due to time constraints.

Joe Mutah, Permanent Secretary of the HOPE Governance Programme, pledged to provide necessary institutional support to ensure significant impact across the country. The World Bank task team leader, Ikechukwu John Nweje, urged the Permanent Secretary to engage state governments to secure the signing of the agreement, which will enable access to funds linked to verified results.