Key Points

• The World Bank approves $1.57 billion to boost healthcare and education in Nigeria.
• Funding targets better health services for women, children, and adolescents.
• The SPIN project aims to enhance climate resilience through dam safety and irrigation.

The World Bank has approved $1.57 billion to strengthen human capital in Nigeria, focusing on improving health for women, children, and adolescents.

Part of the funding will also mitigate the impact of climate change—such as floods and droughts—by improving dam safety and irrigation systems in Nigeria.

According to a statement seen by BusinessDay, the new financing includes $500 million for the Human Capital Project on Governance (HOPE-GOV). It also includes $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC).

Additionally, $500 million is allocated for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN).

Multi-Sectoral Approach to Strengthen Governance and Service Delivery

The HOPE-GOV and HOPE-PHC programs combined will support the Nigerian government in enhancing service delivery in basic education and primary healthcare, both critical to improving human capital outcomes, the World Bank said.

The World Bank stated that the HOPE-GOV program will help Nigeria address governance challenges in the systems and procedures of government in education and health sectors. It will focus on financial and human resource management in basic education and primary healthcare.

Health and education investments for human capital growth

The program aims to increase the availability and effectiveness of financing for education and healthcare services. It also aims to enhance transparency and accountability. It seeks to improve the recruitment and management of teachers and healthcare workers at federal, state, and local government levels.

The World Bank stated that the project aims to reduce maternal and under-five mortality and enhance health system resilience, directly benefiting 40 million people, especially vulnerable populations.

The International Development Association (IDA) and the Global Financing Facility (GFF) for Women, Children, and Adolescents are financing the project. IDA is providing a $500 million concessional credit, while GFF is contributing an additional $70 million grant.

Climate resilience through dam safety and irrigation improvement

The SPIN project will help protect Nigerians from floods and drought through improved dam safety and operations. It also aims to provide new and improved irrigation and drainage services across 40,000 hectares, benefiting up to 950,000 people—including households, farmers, and livestock breeders—with more reliable, climate-resilient, and efficient irrigation, and increased agricultural productivity.

“The SPIN program is timely and will protect Nigerians from floods and droughts, while also boosting hydropower generation. The positive impact on people and livelihoods will be substantial, and the World Bank is pleased to work with the government and stakeholders to deliver this program,” said Ndiamé Diop, World Bank country director for Nigeria.