Lagos launches grassroots engagement for World Bank HOPE-GOV programme

Etim Ekpimah

The Lagos State Government is to launch a strategic grassroots and stakeholder engagement campaign ahead of the full-scale implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity-Governance (HOPE-GOV) Programme.

The initiative is supported by World Bank and is aimed at strengthening governance systems that drive service delivery in basic education and primary healthcare.

It was learnt that HOPE-GOV is a transformative, multi-sector reform programme designed to tackle Nigeria’s human capital challenges by focusing on measurable improvements in learning outcomes and health service delivery.

In Lagos, the programme aligns with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, with a deliberate emphasis on delivering impact at the “last mile” through a Programme-for-Results (PforR) financing model.

Unlike conventional intervention schemes, HOPE-GOV adopts a performance-based funding structure, with disbursements tied strictly to independently verified results. This approach ensures that resources are directly linked to tangible, life-changing outcomes for residents.

As part of the rollout, the state will intensify public engagement efforts to boost awareness, community participation and accountability—particularly among underserved populations, informal sector workers and vulnerable households.

The programme will be implemented across two key pillars:

HOPE-EDU (Foundational Learning)

This component focuses on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes in the early years of schooling. It will prioritise the full distribution of instructional materials to Primary 1–3 pupils, strengthen teacher capacity through structured mentoring, and reduce the number of out-of-school children through targeted, community-based interventions.

Implementation is being led by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board.

HOPE-PHC (Primary Healthcare)

This pillar aims to revitalise primary healthcare systems across the state, with a focus on reducing maternal and child mortality. Key interventions include the recruitment and deployment of more than 2,500 health workers, the rehabilitation of over 50 primary healthcare centres with 24/7 solar-powered infrastructure, and the expansion of access to the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services in underserved communities.

Implementation is being coordinated by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

Through its participation in HOPE-GOV, Lagos is also advancing key governance reforms, including closing the manpower gap in the health sector, strengthening transparency through performance-based local government budgeting, and ensuring sustainability by reinvesting programme gains into future human capital development initiatives.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the true measure of success lies in tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

“The success of HOPE-GOV is not measured by money spent, but by the number of children who can read and the number of mothers who have access to quality, round-the-clock primary healthcare,” he said.

The upcoming engagement activities will leverage a mix of grassroots media platforms, community-based channels and stakeholder forums to ensure residents are well-informed, actively involved and able to benefit fully from the programme.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to delivering inclusive, accountable and results-driven governance that improves the quality of life for all residents.