FG, World Bank Commit to Expanding Social Protection, Economic Opportunities

The Federal Government and the World Bank have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding social protection systems and broadening economic opportunities for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

The pledge was made during the visit of the World Bank’s Regional Manager for Social Protection and Labour for West and Central Africa, Mr. Robert Chase, to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, in Abuja.

Welcoming the delegation, Bagudu expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s long-standing support, and welcomed the ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Deborah Odoh, to her first formal engagement with the Bank.

He said the Nigerian Constitution charges federal, state and local governments to pursue shared national objectives such as social welfare and inclusive development, and stressed the ministry’s role in coordinating coherent social protection policy across tiers of government.

Bagudu highlighted the need to harmonise flagship programmes — including NG-CARES, the Nigeria for Women Project and the HOPE Agenda and called for functional ward-level governance structures to prevent overlaps, strengthen community participation and improve sustainability.

“Mr President has challenged us to translate reforms into measurable improvements in people’s lives. Although most Nigerians are hardworking, many remain trapped in poverty because their economic returns are low. Our goal is to lift millions out of poverty by 2030 through coordinated programmes, strengthened efficiency and expanded financing that boost livelihoods, resilience and opportunity,” Bagudu said.

“We deeply appreciate the World Bank’s partnership. The Bank’s US$750 million support to NG-CARES has leveraged over US$2.2 billion in state-level investments. The first phase will conclude in 2025, additional financing is expected to be effective by December 9 and fully launched in January 2026 to expand cash transfers, identification systems and livelihood support,” Mr. Chase said.

Dr. Deborah Odoh described the World Bank as a dependable partner in Nigeria’s development journey, while both sides pledged to deepen collaboration to scale social protection, strengthen implementation and unlock inclusive growth across the country.