The World Bank has approved three operations in Nigeria, amounting to $1.08 billion in concessional financing, to improve education quality, enhance nutrition, and support economic resilience for vulnerable communities.
The funding includes $500 million for the Hope for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) initiative, $500 million in additional financing for the Nigeria: Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) programme, and $80 million for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN 2.0).
The NG-CARES programme, initially designed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, has supported over 15 million beneficiaries. The additional financing aims to strengthen its impact, providing social transfers, livelihood grants, food security interventions, and support for small businesses.
Meanwhile, ANRIN 2.0 seeks to improve maternal and child nutrition by increasing access to cost-effective services for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five. The initial ANRIN programme has reached over 13 million children with essential nutrition services since 2018.
HOPE-EDU is expected to enhance foundational learning, increase access to education, and improve education management across participating states. It will directly benefit 29 million children in public primary schools, 500,000 teachers, and over 65,000 schools.
Dr. Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, highlighted the importance of human capital investment.
He stated: “Investing in human capital is critical for Nigeria as it offers the best opportunity to unlock the enormous potential of Nigeria. These new programs will help Nigeria accelerate education quality and support to vulnerable citizens.”
He also emphasised the significance of the nutrition programme, adding: “Nutrition interventions from ANRIN will enhance household access to micronutrient rich foods and nutrition services at primary healthcare level, improve dietary diversity, and provide essential nutritional support to vulnerable populations.”
The funding aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and other strategic initiatives to foster sustainable development.
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