Nigeria Receives $27M in World Bank Grants for Governance and Education Reforms BODY: ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Bank has allocated $27 million in performance-based grants to Nigeria’s states that have met governance and public finance reform targets under the HOPE Governance Programme. This disbursement, the first of its kind, is part of a broader $500 million effort to enhance basic education and primary healthcare delivery across the nation.
The HOPE Governance Programme, supported by the World Bank, aims to strengthen financial accountability, improve budgeting, and provide greater transparency in the allocation of education and healthcare spending.
The funds are awarded to states that have demonstrated successful reforms in these areas. Among the states to benefit are Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi, and Yobe, each receiving $1. 5 million for adopting standardized guidelines for budget preparation and submission.
The announcement was made by the programme’s National Coordinator, Dr Assad Hassan, during a retreat attended by officials from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Dr Hassan emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that states that did not qualify failed to meet verification criteria or publish required information.
The programme’s second phase is expected to be completed by July 2026, with an emphasis on capacity-building to improve future performance.
The World Bank’s support is seen as fostering a culture of good governance, which is critical for sustainable development and improved service delivery in Nigeria.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
