By Vincent Ujumadu
The World Bank has confirmed that Anambra State did not express interest to participate in its 2024 Hope-Governance Programme, contrary to what the state government described as misleading media reports alleging that the state was denied the loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks.
In the bank’s 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 programme, but Anambra State did not express interest to participate.
According to the report, there was no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, adding that only interested states engaged the bank for guidance.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, in a statement said: “Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty.
“Anambra State government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, evaluates every programme against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing.”
Aburime, however, added that the state government is currently concluding due diligence and ongoing talks with the World Bank, insisting that Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive programme or policy that aligns with the state’s priorities, now or in the future.
