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World Bank Set to Approve $500 Million Loan for Nigeria

BREAKING NEWS | ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT

World Bank Set to Approve $500 Million Loan for Nigeria Today

ABUJA, NIGERIA — December 19, 2025

The World Bank Group is expected to formally approve a $500 million development loan for Nigeria today, marking a major boost to the country’s efforts to expand access to finance for small businesses nationwide.

The facility, known as the FINCLUDE (Financial Inclusion for Development) Project, is aimed at strengthening inclusive financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.

Structure of the Facility

According to project documentation, the $500 million package will be sourced from two World Bank financing windows:

  • $400 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
  • $100 million from the International Development Association (IDA)

The blended financing structure reflects Nigeria’s development needs while balancing concessional and non-concessional funding.

Driving Financial Inclusion

The FINCLUDE Project is expected to serve as a catalyst, mobilising up to $2.39 billion in total financing by leveraging private-sector participation and strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

The programme targets improved access to credit for MSMEs across all 36 states, with a focus on underserved businesses, including women-led enterprises and firms operating outside major commercial centres.

Economic Impact

Analysts say the approval comes at a critical moment as Nigerian small businesses continue to grapple with limited access to affordable credit, high borrowing costs, and constrained liquidity.

By deepening financial inclusion, the initiative is expected to support job creation, boost productivity, and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil economic base.

Next Steps

Following approval, implementation will be coordinated with Nigerian financial institutions and regulatory agencies. Disbursements will be linked to performance benchmarks and reform milestones aimed at improving lending practices, transparency, and risk management.

The World Bank had not issued a formal public statement at the time of filing, but approval is widely anticipated after the completion of internal reviews and consultations.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.

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