Emmanuel Ikpeama.
The Anambra State Government has refuted reports alleging that the state was denied access to the World Bank’s 2024 HOPE-Governance loan programme due to poor performance, saying the claims are false and inconsistent with the World Bank’s official records.
The clarification follows the release of the World Bank’s Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476), dated July 7, 2025, which stated that 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory expressed interest in participating in the programme, while Anambra State did not express interest to participate.
According to the release signed by the Chief Press Secretary,Mr Christian Aburime,the State Government state that the report does not indicate that Anambra was rejected, disqualified or failed to meet any eligibility benchmarks.
Rather, it simply confirmed that the state did not apply for participation in the programme.
The government explained that Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision based on a careful assessment of the programme in line with the state’s development priorities, fiscal strategy and implementation timelines.
It added that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration evaluates every development initiative before making commitments, ensuring that all partnerships and financial engagements align with the state’s long-term economic and governance objectives.
The statement further disclosed that Anambra State is currently concluding due diligence and holding ongoing discussions with the World Bank, assuring residents that the government remains open to participating in any future programme that aligns with its strategic priorities and advances the welfare of the people.
While dismissing suggestions that the state had been penalised or excluded, the government urged media organisations and members of the public to verify facts before publishing reports capable of creating false impressions.
The release went on to reiterate the state’s commitment to transparency, responsible governance and evidence-based public communication.