The World Bank has committed over $16 billion to Nigeria’s electricity, education, healthcare
This funding has largely come in the form of concessional loans provided by the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
In a statement on Saturday, the World Bank said the investments are aimed at supporting Nigeria in addressing its most urgent development challenges.
These priorities include expanding access to key services like electricity, education, and healthcare; promoting gender inclusion and economic empowerment for women; and strengthening food security by boosting agricultural productivity.
As part of efforts to reinforce its partnership with Nigeria, the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Mr. Ousmane Diagana, is expected to visit the country from April 14 to 17, 2025.
Diagana’s visit will focus on advancing discussions around Nigeria’s economic recovery, job creation, and investments in human capital.
Diagana is scheduled to meet with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa to discuss the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the World Bank and identify new areas for collaboration.
Throughout the four-day visit, he will also hold discussions with several key ministers, including Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Senator Abubakar Bagudu, as well as the Ministers of Power, Humanitarian Affairs, Health, and Communications and Digital Economy.
A key focus of these engagements will be financing Nigeria’s energy sector.
To support this, the World Bank executive will take part in a roundtable with major stakeholders aimed at boosting financial inflows into the power sector and encouraging greater private sector involvement.
Reliable and affordable electricity remains one of Nigeria’s most critical infrastructure gaps, impacting industrialization, job creation, and the delivery of essential services.
Beyond his engagements in Abuja, Mr. Diagana will also visit Kaduna, where he will be welcomed by Governor Uba Sani at the Kashim Ibrahim Government House.
