The World Bank has scheduled December 16, 2025, to consider Nigeria’s latest request for a $1 billion loan aimed at supporting economic recovery, private-sector growth, and job creation.
According to documents on the World Bank’s project portal, the proposal—titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration seeks a dual facility: a $500 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $500 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
The funding is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector, deepen capital markets, expand access to credit for small businesses, and promote export diversification. It also aligns with ongoing digital-transformation reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Officials say the loan will help Nigeria transition from short-term stabilization to sustainable, inclusive growth. However, analysts have raised concerns about the country’s growing debt profile, noting that Nigeria’s public debt recently surpassed $120 billion, with external obligations rising sharply in 2025.
If approved, the facility will add to Nigeria’s series of World Bank-backed programmes since 2020, aimed at boosting fiscal resilience and reducing poverty.
The review outcome will determine whether the funds will be disbursed in early 2026 to accelerate key reform projects in jobs creation and investment facilitation.
Written By:Subair Damilare Adebayo
