The World Bank has approved $1.57 billion in new financing to support Nigeria’s efforts in improving human capital development, healthcare, and climate resilience.
The international lender made the announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the funds will strengthen services for women, children, and adolescents, as well as address climate-related challenges such as floods and droughts.
The financing package consists of three projects: $500 million for the HOPE-GOV program, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC), and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN).
The HOPE-GOV program aims to address governance challenges that hinder the effective delivery of education and healthcare services. It will improve the financial and human resource management systems across Nigeria’s basic education and primary healthcare sectors, enhancing transparency and accountability while improving recruitment and performance management of teachers and healthcare workers.
The HOPE-PHC project will focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, targeting a reduction in maternal and under-five mortality rates. The project is expected to benefit 40 million people, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. It is financed through a concessional $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit and a $70 million grant from the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children, and Adolescents (GFF), with additional contributions from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Children’s Investment Foundation Fund (CIFF).
The SPIN project will enhance dam safety, improve irrigation services, and protect communities from floods and droughts. It is expected to benefit up to 950,000 people, including farmers and livestock breeders, by increasing agricultural productivity through better water management. The project will also support the development of a master plan for hydropower in Nigeria and facilitate a public-private partnership for future hydropower initiatives.
These projects reflect the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development and resilience to climate change.
