The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan for Nigeria, aimed at addressing the long-standing crisis of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their host communities in the northern region of the country. The loan approval was announced on August 7, 2025, and is part of the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID).
This financing seeks to strengthen resilience and expand access to essential services and economic opportunities for up to 7.4 million people, including about 1.3 million IDPs, in conflict-affected local government areas in Northern Nigeria. The initiative represents a strategic long-term development approach to transition these communities from reliance on humanitarian assistance to sustainable self-sufficiency and growth.
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, underscored the importance of the project, stating, “We are glad to support this initiative, which has tremendous potential to help Nigeria in addressing development challenges associated with protracted displacement in a sustainable way.”
The SOLID Project will focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving service delivery, and providing targeted livelihoods support to both displaced persons and host populations. It builds upon prior interventions including the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project, which emphasized short-term recovery efforts.
The loan complements Nigeria’s broader efforts to stabilize and develop regions affected by insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship. By fostering resilience and opportunity, the project aligns with Nigeria’s long-term development goals and national IDP policy.
This new facility is distinct from a separate $21 billion foreign loan recently approved by Nigeria’s National Assembly for various federal initiatives.
The World Bank’s support highlights the ongoing international collaboration to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing humanitarian and development challenges providing a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in the affected communities.