The Federal Government and the World Bank have restated their commitment to strengthening social protection systems and expanding economic opportunities for millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
This assurance was given in Abuja on Wednesday during the visit of the World Bank 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.
Chase noted that the NG-CARES programme has demonstrated strong national ownership, with the World Bank’s $750 million support attracting more than $2.2 billion in investments from state governments. He described Nigeria’s delivery of large-scale social protection programmes as a benchmark for other African countries.
According to him, “Nigeria’s leadership and innovation in delivering large-scale social protection programs is remarkable. The programmes are expansive, innovative, and have become a model across the continent.”
Chase said the first phase of NG-CARES will conclude in 2025, adding that the Additional Financing is expected to become effective on December 9 and fully launched in January 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. He explained that the next phase will broaden cash transfers, strengthen identification systems, and support livelihoods in line with the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria.
Bagudu welcomed the World Bank official, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time since his appointment, and expressed appreciation for the institution’s sustained support to Nigeria’s economic and social policy reforms.
The minister also acknowledged the presence of the ministry’s newly appointed Permanent Secretary, Dr Deborah Odoh, describing her engagement with the World Bank team as timely and important for ongoing reforms.
Bagudu explained that the Nigerian Constitution obligates the federal, state, and local governments to pursue shared national goals, including social welfare and inclusive development. He said this constitutional mandate guides the ministry’s role in coordinating social protection policies and ensuring they align across all levels of government.
He noted the need for coherence in the design and implementation of social enhancement initiatives such as NG-CARES, the Nigeria for Women Project, and the HOPE Agenda, stressing that the programmes must operate within a unified ecosystem.
The minister added that functional ward-level governance structures are essential to avoiding duplication, resolving implementation challenges, and deepening community participation.
Speaking on poverty, Bagudu stated that many Nigerians remain poor not due to a lack of effort but because their economic returns are insufficient. He called for urgent expansion of interventions that promote livelihoods and resilience, especially at a time when the country is battling internal displacement and multidimensional poverty.
“Mr President has challenged us to translate these reforms into measurable improvements in people’s lives. Our goal is to lift millions out of poverty by 2030 through coordinated programs, strengthened efficiency, and expanded financing,” he said.
Bagudu reiterated the ministry’s central role in coordinating national development efforts and fostering collaboration with state governments and international partners. He expressed optimism that the renewed engagement with the World Bank would unlock more opportunities for inclusive growth.
Permanent Secretary Dr Odoh welcomed the delegation and described the World Bank as a reliable partner in Nigeria’s development journey. She noted that the bank’s support has significantly shaped the country’s social protection and macroeconomic reforms.
“We are proud of the progress achieved so far and optimistic about the future. We especially welcome the new Regional Manager for Social Protection, and we trust that he will find Nigeria both enriching and welcoming,” she said.
Odoh assured Chase of the Federal Government’s commitment to using all available resources to advance President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a more inclusive and resilient nation
