World Bank Says Anambra Did Not Express Interest In 2024 ‘Hope-Governance Loan’ Programme
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The World Bank has stated that Anambra State did not express interest in participating in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme, contrary to media reports alleging that the state was denied the 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.”
The report made no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, only that interested states engaged the bank for guidance.
According to a statement signed by Christian Aburime, press secretary to the state governor, Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty.
He said that the Anambra State Government, under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, evaluates every program against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing.
He also disclosed that the state is currently concluding due diligence and is in discussion with the World Bank, adding that Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive program 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.
