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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Economy & Trade

World Bank confirms Anambra did not apply for 2024 HOPE-Governance loan

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The World Bank confirmed Anambra State did not apply for the 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme, contrary to reports of denial due to unmet benchmarks.
  • A World Bank report stated 35 states and the FCT expressed interest, but Anambra did not, with no mention of disqualification or failed performance metrics.
  • Anambra's government clarified its non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty, and that the state is in ongoing discussions with the World Bank for future programs.

The World Bank has officially confirmed that Anambra State did not apply to participate in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme. This clarification refutes earlier reports suggesting the state was denied the loan facility for failing to meet performance benchmarks.

35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the Programme. Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the Programme.

— World Bank Implementation Status and Results ReportStating Anambra State's non-participation in the 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme.

According to the World Bank’s Implementation Status and Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance, dated July 7, 2025, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory expressed interest. The report explicitly notes, “Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the Programme.” Crucially, the document makes no reference to the state being disqualified or failing any performance criteria.

Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty.

— Christian AburimeChief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, clarifying the state's position.

Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, stated that the state's non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision. He emphasized that the World Bank report contains no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, only indicating that interested states engaged with the Bank.

The state government also clarified that it is currently concluding due diligence and ongoing talks with the World Bank, and Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive programme or policy that aligns with our priorities, now or in the future.

— Christian AburimeExplaining the ongoing engagement with the World Bank and future participation.

Aburime further explained that the Anambra State Government evaluates all programs against its development priorities and fiscal timelines before committing. The state is currently concluding due diligence and holding ongoing discussions with the World Bank. He assured that Anambra will participate in future programs that align with its objectives, urging the media and public to verify facts and avoid misleading insinuations.

Therefore, the state government urges the media and the general public to verify facts and resist undue insinuations that may be misleading.

— Christian AburimeAppealing for accurate reporting and fact-checking.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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