FG Launches $1.07bn HOPE Programmes, Others to Boost Human Capital, Healthcare Delivery

The Federal Government has launched two major components of its Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, backed by a combined $1.07 billion funding, to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve human capital development and accelerate poverty reduction across Nigeria.

The initiatives, unveiled on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, include the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Additional Financing (NG-CARES AF), the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme and the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Programme.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Professor Taiwo Oyedele, said the programmes were part of a coordinated strategy to ensure that the gains of Nigeria’s economic reforms translate into improved living standards for citizens.

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This was disclosed in a statement by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, on Thursday, July 16

Oyedele said Nigeria’s economy had recorded significant progress, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reaching 11.2 per cent, while per capita income in dollar terms increased by nearly 10 per cent in the previous year.

He added that foreign reserves had strengthened and inflation had declined from its peak, noting that the achievements would serve as a foundation for the next phase of national development.

According to him, the government’s focus was now on ensuring that ordinary Nigerians benefit from the improving economic outlook.

He disclosed that 15 million vulnerable households had benefited from expanded social transfer programmes.

Among the programmes launched are the HOPE-GOV, supported with $500 million funding, and the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Programme (HOPE-PHC), which will receive $570 million financing.

The HOPE-GOV programme is designed to address governance challenges affecting budget planning and recruitment of teachers and healthcare workers, particularly in underserved communities and among vulnerable populations.

The HOPE-PHC initiative, on the other hand, seeks to improve primary healthcare service delivery through the Federal Government’s Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) as an anchor.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiatives would help achieve President Tinubu’s renewed hope health agenda through measurable reforms.

Pate explained that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the HOPE-PHC programme were created to implement the commitments contained in the health compact signed by the government and development partners.

He said the healthcare reform blueprint was built around four key pillars, including effective governance, an efficient and equitable health system, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security and resilience.

The minister said the government had made progress in revitalising healthcare infrastructure, revealing that 3,026 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) had been revitalised nationwide.

He added that 231 secondary hospitals received maternal and newborn equipment worth $200,000 per state, while 43,417 women and newborns were transported through rural emergency services and maternal transport schemes.

Pate further disclosed that 42,970 maternal and neonatal Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services were provided between October 2024 and March 2026.

He also said 78,054 frontline healthcare workers had been trained, while BHCPF facilities recorded 45.5 million visits to PHCs in a quarter.

“The reforms are increasing service utilization, with more women choosing to give birth in health facilities, reflecting renewed confidence in the health system,” Pate said.

“They are increasing uptake of essential health services, with more families choosing modern family planning and more children receiving life-saving vaccines.”

The Country Director of the World Bank, Mathew Verghis, commended Nigeria’s efforts towards expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly for mothers, children and vulnerable citizens.

Verghis said the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) compact involving the federal and state governments, local governments, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector had created a platform for accountability.

“The HOPE PHC Program and the investment it attracts, combined with our domestic resources and other impact investment Nigeria has attracted, signal a new level of joint commitment,” he said.

“While our data are beginning to show improved outcomes, HOPE PHC and the associated Multi-Donor Trust Fund now pave way for Nigeria to demonstrate a renewed journey to leveraging the health, strength and capacity of our people.”