The World Bank has clarified that Anambra State was not denied participation in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Programme, stating that the state simply did not express interest in joining the initiative.

According to the World Bank’s Implementation Status and Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476) dated July 7, 2025, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory indicated interest in participating in the programme, while Anambra State did not.

The report stated, “35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have expressed interest in participating in the Programme. Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the Programme.”

The report made no reference to Anambra being disqualified or failing to meet any performance benchmarks, contrary to reports suggesting the state was denied access to the loan facility.

Reacting in a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, said the state’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision rather than the result of any sanction.

Aburime said the World Bank report only indicated that states which expressed interest subsequently engaged with the institution for guidance on the programme.

He explained that the Anambra State Government was currently concluding its due diligence and holding discussions with the World Bank, adding that the state would participate in any programme that aligns with its development priorities and fiscal plans.

According to the statement, Governor Soludo’s administration evaluates every programme against its strategic priorities before making commitments.

The state government also urged the media and the public to verify information and avoid what it described as misleading insinuations regarding Anambra’s participation in the World Bank initiative.