The World Bank has approved three concessional financing operations totaling $1.08 billion to improve education quality, strengthen economic resilience, and enhance nutrition in Nigeria.
In a statement on its website, the World Bank explained that these funds are aimed at supporting underserved communities by improving education outcomes, expanding nutrition services, and helping vulnerable households.
The approved financing includes:
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$500 million for additional funding under the Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme
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$80 million for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN 2.0) initiative
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$500 million for the Hope for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) project
The NG-CARES Programme, initially launched to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has already provided livelihood support, food security services, and grants to over 15 million beneficiaries. With the new funding, it will expand to help vulnerable communities cope with the economic challenges from the 2023 fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange rate unification. The program will continue offering social transfers, public works, livelihood grants, and support for small businesses, reinforcing its role as a safety net during economic shocks.
The ANRIN 2.0 programme will focus on improving maternal and child nutrition by enhancing access to quality nutrition services, targeting:
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Pregnant women
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Lactating mothers
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Adolescent girls
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Children under five
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Multisectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition, aiming to improve feeding practices and access to micronutrient-rich foods. Building on previous success, the programme has already reached over 13 million children from 2018 to 2024.
The HOPE-EDU project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s basic education system by:
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Improving literacy and numeracy
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Increasing access to quality education
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Enhancing education management systems
The project is expected to benefit:
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29 million public primary school pupils
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500,000 teachers
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Over 65,000 public primary schools
It will also address overcrowding in schools and improve the efficiency of resource allocation in education. Additionally, the Global Partnership for Education Fund will contribute $52.18 million to support the implementation of HOPE-EDU.