By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, inaugurates a Grant Implementation Team for the World Bank Grant Facility for Project Preparation (GFPP) in the Ministry.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister emphasizes that the grant will support preparation of the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection (HOPE-SP) Project, building on the National Social Safety Nets Programme – Scale Up (NASSP-SU), which is expected to conclude in June 2026.
He noted that the new support from the World Bank reflects the strong and sustained partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria in advancing reforms that address poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion in a structured and sustainable manner.
The Minister described the proposed social protection initiative as a flagship National intervention designed to modernize Nigeria’s social protection architecture, strengthen coordination across institutions and ensure that government interventions are more targeted, efficient and data-driven.
He charged the team to diligently implement the grant work plan, ensure compliance with World Bank guidelines and government regulations, manage the designated grant account responsibly and deliver high-quality technical documentation to support the rollout of the National Safety Net System.
He urged the team to operate with discipline, transparency and strict adherence to timelines as delivery under the assignment will be closely monitored, adding that, “the final work plan is expected to be submitted to the Grand Advisory committee on or before the 27-04-2026 for consideration.”
The Honourable Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya.
In his remarks, World Bank Senior Economist, Maheshwor Shrestha, highlighted that the GFPP is a new World Bank instrument designed to accelerate project readiness by funding preparatory activities such as technical design, other assessments, and capacity development.
He noted that, “the grant will help Nigeria develop a comprehensive and sustainable social protection programme that is increasingly financed by government resources while leveraging external support where necessary.”
While accepting the responsibility given to the team, the leader of the team, Director Social Development in the ministry, Mr Valentine I. Ezulu assured the ministry of their commitment, collaboration and timely delivery.
He pledged that, “the team will work to ensure that the project positively impacts millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.”
The team comprises 12 people.
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