World Bank Allocates $27M in Reform Incentives to States

The World Bank has announced a total of $27 million in reform incentives for Nigerian states, aimed at supporting government programs in education and healthcare. Dr. Assad Hassan disclosed this during a retreat in Abuja on Tuesday.

Five states—Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi, and Yobe—will collectively receive $15 million for successfully achieving performance-based criteria. Each of these states will receive $1.5 million for meeting specific requirements related to basic education and primary healthcare budgets.

Additionally, nine other states will receive $500,000 for adopting harmonized budget guidelines. The program, which is part of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning's initiatives, emphasizes the need for states to meet stipulated conditions by deadlines, with a focus on improving institutional coordination to ensure sustainable reforms.

The interim independent verification agent is already assessing state performances against the year zero disbursement link indicators, with results expected by July 2026.