FG Pushes for $500M HOPE Governance Program Agreement

The Nigerian Federal Government is ramping up efforts to sign a subsidiary loan agreement with all 36 states for the $500 million HOPE Governance Program, aimed at improving service delivery in basic education and primary healthcare. Dr.

Deborah O. N.

Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance to expedite the process. During a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Joe Mutah, representing the HOPE Governance Program, noted the significance of the World Bank's assistance.

The program's success hinges on timely agreement signings, which will enable states to access funds linked to performance results. Ikechukwu John Nweje, the World Bank task team leader, urged the Permanent Secretary to engage state governments to facilitate the signing of agreements.

The initiative is designed to address ongoing challenges in the education and healthcare sectors, which have been prioritized by the government.