Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government and the World Bank have renewed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s social protection systems and expanding economic opportunities for vulnerable households.
The pledge was reaffirmed during a meeting between World Bank Regional Manager for Social Protection and Labour, Mr Robert Chase, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in Abuja.
The visit marks Chase’s first official mission to Nigeria in his current role. Bagudu praises the World Bank’s longstanding partnership, saying Nigeria’s macroeconomic reforms and social interventions have benefited from the collaboration. He also introduced the ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Dr Deborah Odoh, commending her leadership in social policy implementation.
Bagudu notes that Nigeria’s Constitution mandates all tiers of government to prioritise social welfare, guiding the ministry’s coordination of safety-net programmes. Odoh assures Chase of the government’s commitment to advancing President Tinubu’s goal of “a more inclusive and resilient nation.”
Chase applauds Nigeria’s progress, describing its social protection architecture as innovative and influential across Africa. He highlights strong domestic leadership behind the NG-CARES programme, which has seen the World Bank’s $750 million investment complemented by over $2.2 billion from state governments.
He says Phase 1 of NG-CARES will conclude by the end of 2025, while additional financing becomes effective 9 December 2025, with a full rollout expected in January 2026. The next phase will expand cash transfers, identification systems and livelihood support, aligning with the World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework.
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