Anambra Was Not Denied Hope-Governance Loan, Says World Bank

The World Bank has stated that Anambra State was not excluded from the 2024 Hope-Governance Programme but simply did not express interest in joining the initiative.

The clarification follows reports alleging that the state was denied access to the loan facility because it failed to meet required performance benchmarks.

However, the bank’s Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria Hope-Governance (P181476) dated July 7, 2025, showed that 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory indicated interest in participating, while Anambra did not.

The report contained no indication that the state was disqualified or failed any assessment criteria, stating that engagement with the bank was limited to states that showed interest in the programme.

Responding to the reports, Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, described the claims as misleading.

“Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty,” he said.

Aburime explained that the Soludo administration carefully reviews programmes based on the state’s development priorities and financial schedule before making commitments.

“Anambra State government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, evaluates every programme against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing,” he added.

He further revealed that the state government is still carrying out due diligence and maintaining discussions with the World Bank regarding future cooperation.

According to him, the state remains open to participating in programmes that align with its developmental agenda.

“Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive programme or policy that aligns with the state’s priorities, now or in the future,” Aburime stated.

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