Federal Government Commends World Bank Support for Social Protection Reforms
The federal government has expressed its appreciation for the new support from the World Bank, which is aimed at advancing reforms that address poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion in a structured and sustainable manner. This commendation came during the inauguration of the 12-member Grant Implementation Team for the World Bank Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP) in Abuja.
Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, highlighted the significance of this initiative. He emphasized that the grant will support the preparation of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection (HOPE-SP) Project, building on the National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale Up (NASSP-SU), which is expected to conclude in June 2026.
The minister noted that the new support from the World Bank reflects the strong and sustained partnership between the current administration and the international organization. He described the proposed social protection initiative as a flagship national intervention designed to modernize Nigeria’s social protection architecture, strengthen coordination across institutions, and ensure that government interventions are more targeted, efficient, and data-driven.
Key Responsibilities of the Grant Implementation Team
Dr Doro charged the team to diligently implement the grant work plan, ensure compliance with World Bank guidelines and government regulations, manage the designated grant account responsibly, and deliver high-quality technical documentation to support the rollout of the National Safety Net System. He also urged the team to operate with discipline, transparency, and strict adherence to timelines, noting that delivery under the assignment will be closely monitored.
He added that the final work plan is expected to be submitted to the Grant Advisory Committee on or before 27-04-2026 for consideration.
Role of the World Bank in Nigeria’s Social Protection Initiatives
In his remarks, World Bank Senior Economist, Maheshwor Shrestha, highlighted that the GFPP is a new World Bank instrument designed to accelerate project readiness by funding preparatory activities such as technical design, other assessments, and capacity development. He noted that the grant will help Nigeria develop a comprehensive and sustainable social protection programme that is increasingly financed by government resources while leveraging external support where necessary.
Commitment of the Grant Implementation Team
While accepting the responsibility given to the team, the leader of the team and Director of Social Development in the ministry, Mr Valentine Ezulu, assured the ministry of their commitment, collaboration, and timely delivery. He pledged that the team will work to ensure that the project positively impacts millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
Overview of the HOPE-SP Project
The HOPE-SP Project aims to build on the NASSP-SU, which is set to conclude in 2026. This initiative is expected to provide a more robust framework for social protection in Nigeria, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. The project is designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of existing social safety nets, making them more responsive to the needs of the population.
Future Outlook
With the establishment of the Grant Implementation Team, there is optimism about the potential impact of the HOPE-SP Project. The collaboration between the Nigerian government and the World Bank is seen as a critical step towards achieving long-term poverty reduction and social inclusion. As the team moves forward, their success will depend on their ability to adhere to guidelines, maintain transparency, and deliver on their commitments.
