The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated discussions with the World Bank for a fresh $300 million loan aimed at bolstering the country’s health security infrastructure.
According to documents from the World Bank, the proposed funding will be managed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), with the Federal Ministry of Finance acting as the borrower on behalf of the government.
The loan project is expected to enhance regional collaboration and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies. It aligns with the World Bank’s broader investment strategy in health, nutrition, and population sectors across Western and Central Africa.
Approval and Implementation Timeline
The project is currently in the pipeline stage, with key milestones set as follows:
- Disclosure Date: February 6, 2025
- Appraisal Stage: April 14, 2025
- World Bank Board Approval: July 30, 2025
- Implementation Start: 2026 Fiscal Year
Scope of the Nigeria Health Security Programme (HeSP)
The initiative is designed to improve health infrastructure across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It includes:
- Expansion of molecular laboratory capacity and primary healthcare centre upgrades.
- Establishment of emergency operation centres and medical warehouses.
- Deployment of mobile laboratories and installation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
- Integration of solar energy systems to enhance health facility operations.
The World Bank has committed $300 million to support pandemic preparedness and improve Nigeria’s public health response mechanisms.
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Risks and Challenges
While the loan is expected to drive critical improvements, the project also presents environmental and social risks, including:
- Challenges in medical waste management.
- Occupational hazards for healthcare workers.
- Increased energy and water demand.
- Potential land acquisition issues and challenges in conflict-prone areas.
Nigeria’s Previous Health Sector Loans
This proposed loan follows previous international funding initiatives to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, including financing for:
The Federal Government is also engaging the World Bank for an additional $580 million loan, expected to be approved in March 2025.
As Nigeria continues to enhance its public health infrastructure, this initiative represents a significant step toward improving disease surveillance, diagnostics, and emergency response capabilities nationwide.
