July 22, 2025—The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, today participated in the inaugural meeting of the National Steering Committee for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.
This programme is a World Bank-supported initiative focused on accelerating inclusive economic development through targeted investments in Nigeria’s people.
The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. It brought together key members of the Federal Executive Council as co-chairs, including ministers responsible for Finance, Education, Health, and Women Affairs. These leaders are expected to drive the HOPE programme’s objectives forward.
In his remarks, Mr. Edun described HOPE as “a transformative platform to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential by strengthening health, education, and governance systems nationwide.”
He further emphasized the initiative’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic renewal agenda, which places human capital development at the center of long-term prosperity.
“The President’s vision is clear: prosperity must be inclusive. No one is to be left behind,” he stated.
According to Mr. Edun, five states and the Federal Capital Territory are already part of the initiative. He called on the remaining states to join quickly.
“There is strategic urgency in investing in Nigeria’s youth. Africa is projected to account for 25 percent of the global workforce over the next three decades,” he noted.
He also reaffirmed the Finance Ministry’s strong support for the swift passage of the Boreum Plan before the National Assembly goes on summer recess.
HOPE is a major part of this plan, which provides a financial framework for state-led interventions in education, primary healthcare, and social development that are aligned with international standards.