Title: World Bank Urges Nigeria to Restore Public Trust Through Better Service Delivery
The World Bank has issued a compelling call to action for Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations, urging governments to focus on rebuilding public trust by improving essential service delivery. This was highlighted in its 2025 Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA) report released earlier this month.
According to the report, many African citizens have grown increasingly disillusioned with their governments due to poor access to vital services such as education, healthcare, electricity, water supply, and public administration. In Nigeria, these failures are especially visible in underfunded schools, overcrowded hospitals, and unreliable infrastructure.
The World Bank noted that while some African countries are making progress in macroeconomic management and social inclusion, the biggest setback remains weak governance. The lack of transparency, inefficiency in public institutions, and a slow response to citizens’ needs have worsened the trust gap between government and the people.
Andrew Dabalen, World Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa, emphasized the urgency of the matter:
“Confidence in a government’s ability to efficiently transform public resources into essential services is fundamental to improving trust and strengthening the social contract.”
For Nigeria, this means prioritizing reforms that directly impact people’s lives. Experts recommend simplifying bureaucratic processes, investing more in healthcare and education, and ensuring that public funds are spent transparently. Even with limited financing, the government is urged to make every naira count by focusing on areas that will yield long-term benefits.
Additionally, the World Bank report warned that persistent poor service delivery could lead to more youth protests, civil unrest, and political instability across Africa—Nigeria included.
In conclusion, the message is clear: if Nigeria wants to foster national unity and sustainable growth, it must rebuild public trust by delivering better services. This is not just good governance; it is a necessary path to national progress.
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