The World Bank has announced December 16 as the tentative approval date for a new $1 billion Development Policy Financing (DPF) loan to Nigeria under its latest initiative, **“Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (P512892).”** According to a project document released by the Bank on October 27, the proposed facility will include a **$500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit** and a **$500 million International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan.** Falling under the Bank’s **Macroeconomics, Trade, and Investment practice** for the Western and Central Africa region, the programme aims to **reinforce ongoing economic reforms, boost job creation, and attract private investment.** As reported by *PUNCH*, the loan forms part of the World Bank’s broader support package designed to strengthen Nigeria’s post-reform stability and promote inclusive growth across strategic sectors. It will be executed through the **Federal Ministry of Finance**, with the World Bank confirming that preparation for the facility has already been authorised. The document noted that the DPF operation will support Nigeria’s transition from stabilisation to inclusive growth and job creation. Structured as a **two-tranche standalone loan**—comprising the $500 million IDA credit and $500 million IBRD loan—it seeks to **catalyse private sector–led investment by improving access to credit, deepening capital markets and digital services, easing inflationary pressures, and diversifying exports.** Since 2023, the administration of **President Bola Tinubu** has rolled out several reform measures, including the **removal of petrol subsidies**, **unification of exchange rates**, and **ending central bank deficit financing.** According to the government, these actions—anchored on the **Renewed Hope Agenda**—have helped stabilise the economy, reduce the fiscal deficit, and restore investor confidence. However, despite these gains, the World Bank observed that growth remains weak, with over **130 million Nigerians still living in poverty.** While macroeconomic stability has improved, the report stressed that **“Nigeria’s economy has yet to transition decisively into a higher and more inclusive growth trajectory,”** highlighting the need for fresh investments to drive productivity, diversification, and employment creation.