Anambra Didn’t Apply For World Bank Loan On Hope Governance Programme, Says Government

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Amidst criticism that Anambra state failed to secure a World Bank loan due to the poor performance of Governor Charles Soludo, the state government has said it did not apply for the loan after all.

This is confirmed by the World Bank itself, which wrote and clarified that Anambra State did not express interest in participating in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme.
It will be recalled that Governor Soludo does not believe in loans unless they will impact positively on his policies, and he has said so openly.

Part of a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, reads: “The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Program, contrary to misleading media reports alleging that the State was denied the World Bank loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.

“According to the World Bank, in its Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476), dated July 07, 2025, _“35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the Program. Anambra State did not express interest in participating in the Program.”

Aburime noted that the report made no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, only that interested states engaged the Bank for guidance.

He stated that Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty, adding: “Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, evaluates every program 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 its priorities, now or in the future.

The State Government urged the media and the general public to verify facts and resist undue insinuations that may be misleading#