The Lagos State Government, the World Bank, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) are advancing the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme, a $500 million initiative aimed at strengthening basic education and primary healthcare systems across Nigeria.
Backed by the federal government and implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the programme focuses on improving how public resources are managed while linking funding to measurable results rather than policy intentions.
Under the performance-based framework, disbursement of funds is tied to verified progress in service delivery, with emphasis on accountability, transparency, and improved outcomes in critical social sectors.
In Lagos State, officials say early implementation is already showing results. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the state’s participation reflects a shift from input-driven spending to performance-based governance in both education and healthcare.
“For us in Lagos, this is about people,” Sanwo-Olu said. “It is about ensuring that a child has access to the right learning materials, that a mother receives quality care at a primary health centre, and that public resources are managed transparently for all to see.”
The World Bank has also highlighted Lagos as a strong example of institutional readiness for the programme. According to Akin Onimole, Senior Procurement Specialist at the World Bank, HOPE-GOV is designed to address long-standing gaps in service delivery systems, particularly in procurement and accountability structures. He noted that Lagos has demonstrated commitment to reforms that translate policy into measurable outcomes.
FCMB, which supports the programme’s financial operations and fund flows, said its involvement aligns with its broader goal of expanding access to opportunities in key social sectors.
“We are working with our partners to open up more opportunities for children and communities,” said Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FCMB. “By supporting education and primary healthcare, we are contributing to a system where more people can participate and progress.”
The HOPE-GOV programme is expected to further strengthen institutional capacity across states while promoting a results-driven approach to public spending in Nigeria’s education and health sectors.