Abuja: The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme is set to distribute $27 million as performance-based incentives to 20 states that have successfully achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs). Dr. Assad Hassan, the National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance Programme, revealed this development in Abuja during a retreat attended by Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors of Budget and Planning.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the HOPE Governance Programme is a $500 million initiative supported by the World Bank and housed within the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Its primary objectives are to enhance financing for basic education and primary healthcare, promote transparency and accountability, and improve the recruitment, deployment, and performance management of teachers and healthcare workers.
In a statement released by Mr. Joe Mutah, Communications Officer for the HOPE Governance Programme, it was noted that the disbursement follows recommendations from the Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA), which evaluated the states’ performance against the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs). DLR 2.1 involves adopting comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting consolidated Basic Education work plans by March 31, 2025. DLR 2.2 is centered on similar guidelines for Primary Health Care work plans by the same date. DLR 2.3 requires local governments to adopt harmonized budget guidelines and a chart of accounts, while DLR 4.1 focuses on publishing the 2025 Citizens Budget for Basic Education and Primary Health Care by February 28, 2025.
Hassan disclosed that Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi, and Yobe will each receive $1.5 million for achieving DLR 2.1 and an additional $1.5 million each for meeting DLR 2.2. Furthermore, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe will receive $500,000 each for fulfilling DLR 2.3. States including Abia, Plateau, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo, and Yobe will also receive $500,000 each for DLR 4.1.
Some states, however, were deemed ineligible due to missed deadlines, failure to meet required criteria, or not publishing results on official state websites. Dr. Hassan pointed out that poor institutional coordination has posed a challenge to states’ performance, affecting programme ownership and sustainability. The Interim Verification Agent is in the process of concluding the second phase of Year Zero verification, which is expected to be finalized by July 2026.
The programme aims to optimize the use of federal and state funds for Primary Health Care and Basic Education, while also enhancing transparency, accountability, and monitoring of intergovernmental transfers and expenditure in these sectors. Additionally, it seeks to improve coordinated annual plans and address staffing gaps through the recruitment and deployment of teachers and health workers. Preparations are underway for a capacity-building action plan aimed at providing technical support to states and boosting programme performance.