In a bold call for smarter global financing, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has urged the World Bank Group to align its financial muscle with real-life impact—by focusing investments on the sectors that touch the everyday lives of Nigerians.
Speaking at a high-level thematic session in New York on the World Bank’s role in Financing for Development, Dr. Uzoka-Anite pressed for a shift from broad funding promises to targeted, transformative projects—especially in agriculture, energy access, and human capital development.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister to have said,
“We’re not just asking for support,” she said. “We are calling for investments that change lives.”
Citing successful initiatives like the Agriculture Sector Recovery and Sustained Livelihoods Programme (ACReSAL) and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN), she showcased how Nigeria has made measurable progress with strategic backing from the World Bank.
“These programs have not only revitalized food systems and improved livelihoods but have also tackled malnutrition and strengthened health services in underserved communities.”
Her message was clear: With Nigeria’s development momentum under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the time is now for global institutions to match ambition with action.
As the world faces economic uncertainty, Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s remarks were a reminder that development financing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people.
And for millions of Nigerians striving for a better future, targeted support could be the difference between survival and transformation.