The World Bank has approved a fresh $1.25 billion loan for Nigeria under its Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration programme, despite growing public criticism over the country’s rising debt profile.
The approval was announced on Wednesday alongside the launch of a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria covering 2026–2032.
The framework, according to the Bank, is designed to support private sector-led growth and create millions of jobs.
“The World Bank Group has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria spanning 2026–2032, setting out a strategy to create more and better jobs at scale by unlocking private sector-led growth,” the statement read.
The Bank explained that the $1.25bn facility will back reforms aimed at strengthening competitiveness, deepening capital markets, modernising digital regulation, advancing power sector reforms, lowering trade barriers, and boosting agricultural productivity.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the focus would be on translating recent macroeconomic gains into
