The World Bank has approved $300 million to help Nigeria improve resilience and expand access to essential services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities in Northern Nigeria. The approval was granted on August 7, 2025.
This funding will support the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID), focusing on local government areas most affected by conflict-driven displacement. The project aims to benefit up to 7.4 million people, including about 1.3 million IDPs, by implementing an integrated development strategy aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development plans.
In a statement, the World Bank said the project will improve access to key services and economic opportunities for IDPs and their hosts, helping both groups become more self-sufficient and resilient.
The Bank highlighted that ongoing conflicts have displaced over 3.5 million people in the region, placing heavy pressure on local infrastructure and resources. This strain has increased competition for scarce resources, limited livelihoods, and made communities more vulnerable to natural disasters like flooding.
Building on existing government efforts and previous World Bank projects, SOLID will focus on:
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure
- Promoting social cohesion and community resilience
- Supporting livelihoods for sustainable economic activities
- Strengthening institutions to better manage displacement challenges
Mathew Verghis, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said the project offers a sustainable way to address the development challenges caused by prolonged displacement. He added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s National IDP Policy and will help IDPs and host communities transition from humanitarian aid to economic independence.
The project will be implemented through a coordinated, community-driven approach involving all government levels and international partners.
World Bank Task Team Leaders Fuad Malkawi and Christopher Johnson emphasized the project’s importance in closing infrastructure gaps and improving service delivery in affected communities. They noted that targeted support will help both displaced and host populations achieve lasting economic stability, moving the region from crisis response to growth and resilience.
Nigeria’s Growing Debt to the World Bank
According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s total debt owed to the World Bank reached $18.23 billion by March 31, 2025. This is a $420 million increase from December 2024, when the debt stood at $17.81 billion.
Breakdown:
- Borrowings from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, rose from $16.56 billion to $16.99 billion.
- Loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the non-concessional window, remained steady at $1.24 billion.
The World Bank now accounts for about 39.7% of Nigeria’s total external debt, which stood at $45.98 billion as of March 2025—up from 38.9% in December 2024.
Additionally, the World Bank represents 81.2% of Nigeria’s multilateral debt, up from 79.8% at the end of 2024, underscoring its key role in Nigeria’s borrowing portfolio.
