LASG strengthens $500m W’Bank programme with operational vehicles

The Lagos State Government has procured and handed over operational vehicles to boost the implementation of the $500m World Bank Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme across key sectors.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, the move aimed to strengthen service delivery, enhance accountability, and consolidate gains from the recent statewide sensitisation campaign on the programme.

The statement noted that the vehicles were designated for the three core pillars of the initiative—governance, primary healthcare, and basic education—with a focus on improving monitoring and evaluation activities.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, highlighted the importance of logistics in sustaining programme impact.

According to him, “The procurement of these operational vehicles is a deliberate step towards deepening the efficiency and reach of the World Bank HOPE Programme.

“Effective monitoring and evaluation are central to sustaining the gains we have recorded so far, and these assets will significantly enhance field operations, data collection, and supervisory functions across the three key sectors.”

George noted that the ministry, as the coordinating body for the programme in Lagos, remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring transparency, and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

He added that the initiative would improve synergy among implementing agencies and align programme outcomes with the broader development priorities of the state.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support towards the success of the programme.

“The ministry’s coordinating role places it at the heart of ensuring synergy among implementing agencies, fostering accountability, and aligning programme outcomes with the broader development priorities of the state government.

“This initiative will bolster timely reporting, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and ultimately translate into improved service delivery outcomes for residents,” he said.

In line with deployment plans, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Olayinka Ojo, formally handed over the vehicles to beneficiary Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The Permanent Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, Ibrahim Mustapha, received the keys on behalf of the health sector, alongside other implementing agencies.

The HOPE Programme, supported by the World Bank, is designed to strengthen governance systems and improve human capital development indicators in line with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda.