World Bank confirms Anambra did not apply for 2024 HOPE-Governance loan

The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest in participating in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme, contrary to reports alleging that the state was denied the loan facility for failing to meet performance benchmarks.

According to the World Bank’s Implementation Status and Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476), dated July 7, 2025, “35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the Programme. Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the Programme.”

The report makes no reference to the state being disqualified or failing to meet any performance benchmarks. Rather, it states that only states that indicated interest engaged with the World Bank for guidance.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, said the state’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision and not the result of any penalty.

Aburime noted that the World Bank report contains no reference to disqualification or failed benchmarks, adding that it merely indicated that interested states engaged with the Bank on the programme.

He explained that the state government was currently concluding due diligence and holding ongoing discussions with the World Bank, stressing that Anambra would participate in any programme that aligns with its development priorities.

The statement read, “Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty. The Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, evaluates every programme against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing.

“The state government also clarified that it is currently concluding due diligence and ongoing talks with the World Bank, and Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive programme or policy that aligns with our priorities, now or in the future.

“Therefore, the state government urges the media and the general public to verify facts and resist undue insinuations that may be misleading.”