HOPE GOV

07/08/2026

The Honourable Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, chaired the inaugural meeting of the HOPE-Governance Program Steering Committee on Thursday, 6th August 2026, aimed at further strengthening coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the implementation of the Program.

Participants at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah O. N. Odoh; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, mni; the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba; the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina; Director IERD, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. George Nyeso Stanley; the Secretary of the Steering Committee and National Coordinator of the HOPE-Governance Program, Dr. Assad Hassan; members of the National Program Coordination Unit (NPCU), as well as other distinguished dignitaries.

28/07/2026

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Deborah O. N. Odoh, convened a coordination meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the HOPE-Governance National Programme Coordination Unit (NPCU) to strengthen alignment between the two ministries on the implementation of the HOPE-Governance Programme across the country. The National Coordinator of the HOPE-Governance Programme, Dr Assad Hassan, led members of the NPCU to the meeting, which was held on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at the ministry.

18/07/2026

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, AT THE UNVEILING OF THE NG-CARES ADDITIONAL FINANCING, SOLID, AND HOPE PROGRAMMES

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Delivered by Hon Minister of Finance and CME Taiwo Oyedele

Today, we take a decisive step for the Nigerian people. I welcome you to the unveiling of five Federal Government’s landmark programmes:

1. The Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing (NG-CARES AF),

2. The Solutions for Internally Displaced and Host Communities Programme (SOLID), and

3. a 3-in-1: the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programmes - HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC, and HOPE-EDU.

These are not just programmes. They are promises kept. Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we came into office pledging to reform the economy, secure the nation, and invest in our people. Today, we act on that pledge - protecting the vulnerable, empowering communities, and building the human capital that will carry Nigeria forward.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

Positive results are emerging from our reforms. Robust growth is returning. Confidence is rising. But that progress must be felt in every household, not just in national statistics.

Real prosperity means no Nigerian is left behind on our journey to a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

The Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030) is our roadmap built on economic diversification, human capital development, and stronger states. NG-CARES AF, SOLID, and HOPE are how we turn that roadmap into reality: taking macroeconomic stability and converting it into better livelihoods, in every ward, for every family.

The numbers tell a story of recovery:

- Real GDP grew by 11.2% and nearly 10% per capita income growth in USD terms last year, and is on track for a repeat this year, making Nigeria not only one of the fastest growing economies in the world but also one of the fastest rates of people being lifted out of poverty.

- Foreign reserves have surpassed $50 billion

- Inflation has fallen sharply from its 2024 peak

These are not abstract figures. They are the foundation for the next phase of our national development: making sure this recovery reaches every Nigerian. Through expanded cash transfers, we have already reached 15 million vulnerable households, lifting an estimated 7.5 million people out of poverty. Today's programmes build directly on that momentum.

WHAT WE ARE LAUNCHING TODAY

1. NG-CARES Additional Financing - USD 1.25 Billion World Bank-supported programme, focusing on smallholder farmers, small and medium businesses.

2. SOLID - a USD 300m World Bank-financed initiative that bridges humanitarian relief and long-term development - investing in infrastructure, livelihoods, and services for displaced persons and the communities that host them. This is how we rebuild not just homes, but hope.

3. HOPE - US$1.5 Billion, our flagship investment in Nigeria's greatest asset: our people. Through HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC, and HOPE-EDU, we strengthen primary healthcare, improve foundational learning in our public schools, support our teachers, and build more transparent, more effective governance at the ward level.

ONE STRATEGY, WORKING TOGETHER

These three programmes are not separate efforts - they are one coordinated national strategy for poverty reduction, human capital development, and community resilience.

Livelihoods, healthcare, education, social protection, and support for displaced communities reinforce one another where it matters most: at the grassroots.

Through our ward-centric approach, we are aligning federal, state, and local government around a single goal - making every ward a place of real service delivery, real opportunity, and real improvement in people's lives.

I commend the Honourable Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, of Education, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for their leadership in bringing this vision to life.

A CALL TO EVERY PARTNER

Success depends on all of us. To our State Governments, working through the National Economic Council: NG-CARES succeeds through your implementation. HOPE succeeds through your commitment to reform. SOLID succeeds through your engagement with communities.

I ask every Federal, State, and Local Government partner, every development institution, and every implementing agency to rise to this moment with us.

We are building a Nigeria where extreme poverty is banished, where every child has access to quality education and healthcare, and where every community can withstand adversity and recover stronger. That is our vision. That is our promise.

Today, we launch that future - for millions of Nigerians, in every ward, in every state.

It is, therefore, my honour to formally launch:

— the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing (NG-CARES AF),

— the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programmes (HOPE-GOV, HOPE-PHC, and HOPE-EDU), and

— The Solutions for Internally Displaced and Host Communities (SOLID) Programme.

Thank you, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30/06/2026

World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Program Approves $27 Million Incentive for Performing States

The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Program, domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is set to disburse $27 million as performance-based incentives to states that successfully achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs).

The National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance Program, Dr. Assad Hassan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a retreat for Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors of Budget and Planning in the 36 states and the FCT. He said the disbursement is based on the findings and recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA), which assessed the performance of states in meeting the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

He listed the Year Zero Disbursement Linked Results as DLR 2.1 - states adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparation and submission of consolidated work plan for State Basic Education budget by March 31st, 2025; DLR 2.2 - states adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparation and submission of consolidated work plan for the State Primary Health Care budget by March 31st, 2025 and DLR 2.3 - local governments adoption of harmonized budget guidelines/chart of accounts.

Dr. Assad added that Disbursement Linked Result (DLR) 4.1 focusses on publication of Financial Year 2025 Citizens Budget for Basic Education and Primary Health by 28th February, 2025 by the participating states.

He said for Disbursement Linked-Result (DLR) 2.1, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe States are to receive $1.5 million each.

For DLR 2.2, he said, Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe States are to be incentivised with $1.5 million each.

According to Dr. Assad, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe States are to receive $500,000 each for achieving DLR 2.3.

While on DLR 4.1, he said, Abia, Plateau, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo and Yobe States would be receiving $500,000 each.

He explained that other participating states were not eligible for the incentives because they either published the required guidelines after the March 31, 2025 deadline, failed to meet most of the stipulated criteria, or did not publish the required results on their official state websites.

The National Coordinator identified several challenges that hindered the achievement of the results by many participating states. These, he said, include the inability to establish institutional coordination mechanisms thereby undermining institutional ownership and sustainability.

He also stated that the Interim Verification Agent is currently working to conclude second phase of verification of Year Zero by July 2026.

Dr. Assad Hassan said the overall objectives of the HOPE Governance Program are to maximize utilization of Federal And State funds At facility level for Primary Health Care And Basic Education; promote transparency and monitoring of inter governmental transfers and expenditure for the two sectors and strengthen ex*****on of coordinated annual plans for PHC and Basic Education.

Others are: strengthen accountability of PHC and Basic Education expenditure and close staffing gap by hiring and deploying teachers and priority PHC workers across the states.

The National Coordinator said the Program has commenced preparations for implementation of capacity-building action plan to provide hands-on technical support to help States achieve the Program results.

The HOPE Governance Program is a $500 million World Bank-supported initiative aimed at increased availability and effectiveness of financing for Basic Education and Primary Health Care delivery; engendering transparency and accountability in financing the two sectors and improving recruitment, deployment, and performance management of Basic Education teachers and PHC workers by federal, state and local governments.

Joe Mutah
Communications Officer
HOPE Governance Program
30th June, 2026

26/05/2026

05/05/2026

World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Program Partners States to Recruit More Teachers, Primary Health Care Workers

The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Program of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is working in partnership with State Governments to address critical manpower gaps in basic education and primary health care sectors.

The National Coordinator of the Program, Dr. Assad Hassan disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the HOPE Governance Program Implementation Support Mission for the North East in Gombe on Tuesday.

He said improved recruitment and equitable deployment of teachers and primary health care workers are essential to strengthening service delivery in the two sectors.

“We are also trying to look at how we can improve the recruitment of teachers as well as primary health care workers. Not only recruitment but also equitable deployment of teachers and primary health care workers.

“There are challenges in deployment to areas that are hard to reach, so the HOPE Governance Program is another opportunity to complement already existing efforts of the Federal Government and indeed the State Governments to address service delivery in basic education and primary health,” he said.

Dr. Assad Hassan said that filling the manpower gaps in the basic education and primary health care sectors forms part of the Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs) agreed upon between the World Bank and participating State Governments under the $500 million intervention Program.

He said that under the Program-for-Results model of the World Bank, states that achieve the agreed Disbursement Linked Results (DLRs) targets will be rewarded with funding, enabling them to invest additional resources in both sectors.

The National Coordinator said the Program was designed to work with the state governments to implement far-reaching reforms in the two sectors by promoting accountability, good governance, and ensuring that public expenditure delivers measurable improvements.

“The HOPE Governance Program provides us with an added opportunity to see us strengthen our systems in terms of accountability and also ensuring that public resources deliver real impact for citizens across service delivery for primary health care and basic education,” he said.

He stressed the need for all implementing agencies and the state governments to institutionalize the reform template of the HOPE Governance Program to ensure efficient and impactful service delivery across both sectors.

“We need to keep asking ourselves, how do we sustain the gains we have made? How do we institutionalize the reforms that we have made thus far because without this, we cannot really make impact on our citizens,” he stated.

Dr. Assad Hassan used the occasion to commend the Gombe State Government for hosting the Implementation Support Mission and its commitment to developing the basic education and primary health care sectors in the state.

He said the commitment of the Gombe State Government to reducing the number of out-of-school children by 50% by 2030 is highly commendable.

In his remarks, the World Bank Task Team Lead for the HOPE Governance Program, Ikechukwu Nweje, said the Implementation Support Mission was convened to assess states’ progress in implementing the Disbursement Linked Results and to facilitate the exchange of experiences among participating states in order to promote peer learning towards the successful implementation of the Program.

The Secretary to Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi declared the Implementation Support Mission opened on behalf of the State Governor.

States from the North East as well as Plateau and Jigawa States participated in the Implementation Support Mission in Gombe.

Joe Mutah
Communications Officer
HOPE Governance Program
5th May, 2026

01/05/2026

HOPE-Governance Program: Implementation Support Mission Concludes in Abuja

The second session of the Implementation Support Mission for the HOPE-Governance Program successfully concluded in Abuja on Thursday, April 30, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the program’s rollout and consolidation across participating states.

The Mission achieved notable progress in advancing the objectives of the HOPE-GOV initiative. Key activities included a comprehensive review of implementation performance across beneficiary states, as well as the provision of targeted technical support aimed at strengthening delivery mechanisms at the state level. The session also undertook an assessment of the status of Subsidiary Loan Agreements (SLAs), which are critical to ensuring effective States participation in the Program.

In addition, deliberations focused on preparations for the forthcoming results verification exercise, with stakeholders addressing emerging operational and institutional challenges. The Mission provided a platform to collectively agree on practical next steps required to sustain momentum and ensure the achievement of program targets.

The hybrid meeting brought together stakeholders through both in-person and virtual participation, reflecting strong intergovernmental collaboration. Participating states - including Cross River, Bayelsa, Benue, Sokoto, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kaduna, Ondo, Imo and Zamfara - delivered detailed presentations outlining their progress, reforms undertaken, and implementation experiences to date. The session functioned as a peer learning and review platform, which enabled states to exchange best practices, share success stories, and benchmark performance against one another.

A major highlight of the Mission was the engagement with the newly appointed Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA). The IVA provided detailed insights into the methodology, processes, and expectations for the upcoming Year Zero verification exercise, thereby enhancing states’ preparedness and alignment with verification requirements.

Overall, the Mission reinforced the commitment of federal and state stakeholders to the successful implementation of the HOPE-Governance Program, while underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration, accountability, and results-driven ex*****on in achieving its development objectives.

29/04/2026

The second session of the Implementation Support Mission for the HOPE Governance Program is currently underway in Abuja, holding from Wednesday, 29th to Thursday, 30th April 2026.

The Mission aims to review implementation progress across participating states and provide technical support to beneficiary states. It will also assess the status of the Subsidiary Loan Agreements, discuss preparations for the upcoming results verification exercise, address emerging concerns, and agree on key next steps.

The hybrid meeting features both in-person and virtual participation. Representatives from Cross River, Bayelsa, Benue, Sokoto, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Osun States delivered presentations on their respective progress and implementation experiences.

28/04/2026

World Bank-Assisted HOPE-GOV Program Engages Interim Verification Agent for Year Zero Assessment of States

The World Bank-assisted HOPE Governance Programme has formalised a contractual agreement and onboarding of an Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA), tasked with conducting the Year Zero verification exercise across implementing agencies and participating State Governments under the Program.

The verification exercise is a key precondition for the disbursement of Program incentives, as it will independently assess and validate the achievement of the agreed Disbursement-Linked Results by the respective implementing entities and State Governments.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Monday, the National Coordinator of the Program, Dr. Assad Hassan, stated that the appointment of the Independent Verification Agent followed a transparent procurement process to ensure that the most qualified consultant was selected.

“Remember, you were selected through a process that was designed to identify the very best candidates. We are happy to have you on board and we have full confidence in your abilities, especially given the high expectations not just within the National Program Coordinating Unit but also across the Ministry and implementing agencies,” he said.

Dr. Assad Hassan therefore urged the consultant to demonstrate a high level of transparency and integrity in the discharge of the assignment, and to bring her full expertise to bear in delivering quality outcomes.

He emphasised that the overarching objective of the HOPE Governance Program is to promote and sustain reforms in the administration of the basic education and primary healthcare sectors, even beyond the lifespan of the Program.

In her response, the Lead Consultant, Abimbola Ogunseitan, expressed her team’s readiness to commence the verification exercise in earnest.

She noted that a Work Plan outlining the approach to achieving the Year Zero verification had already been submitted, and pledged the team’s commitment to working round the clock to deliver on the assignment.

The onboarding of the Independent Verification Agent was conducted by the National Program Coordination Unit and a team from the World Bank led by the Task Team Lead, Mr. Ikechukwu Nweje.

Joe Mutah
Communications Officer
HOPE GOV Program

21/04/2026

HOPE-Governance National Coordinator calls for strategic use of World Bank loans to drive lasting reforms.

The National Coordinator of the World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Program, Dr. Assad Hassan, has called on governments at all levels to leverage concessional loans from the Bank to deliberately develop their institutions and sustain governance reforms across the country.

Dr. Assad stated this in Enugu on Tuesday at the HOPE Governance South East Implementation Support Mission convened by the World Bank.

“In as much as the bank is a significant partner in this, they are gracious enough to give us soft loans, concessionary loans but I think the onus is on us to make sure that at the end of the day, we see how we can sustain these programs,” he stated.

He said the HOPE Governance Program is designed to strengthen governance and institutional mechanisms in the administration of basic education and primary health in order to deliver results.

According to Dr. Assad Hassan, while there have been other World Bank-funded reform programs in the past, the ability to sustain these reforms and translate them into tangible results will make a significant difference in governance in the country.

“What next? I think that question behooves us to look at ourselves in the mirror. What have we done after the precursor to this program —SFTAS? Did we just receive the incentives and move on?” he said.

The National Coordinator stressed the need for state governments to reform their systems as a proof of concept for attracting further interventions and support from multilateral institutions.

Dr. Assad used the occasion to commend the Enugu State Government for introducing far-reaching reforms in the administration of basic education and primary health in the state.

In his remarks, the World Bank Task Team Lead for the HOPE Governance Program, Mr. Ikechukwu Nweje, said the World Bank chose the Program for Result (PforR) Model as a deliberate strategy to assist state governments to built the capacity of their workforce to sustain the reform objectives of the Program.

The Task Team Lead stated that the Bank will continue to provide technical support to states in the implementation of the program, while the National Programme Coordination Unit will engage consultants to strengthen technical assistance.

South East Implementation Support Mission, which brought participants from states in the geopolitical zone, was declared open by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, on behalf of the State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah.

Joe Mutah
Communications Officer
HOPE Governance Program
Tuesday, 21st April, 2026