The Federal Government is seeking a fresh 500 million dollar loan from the World Bank to establish an infrastructure financing platform, with approval of the proposed facility scheduled for May 25, 2027, just four days before the inauguration of Nigeria’s next president.

The proposed borrowing comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the timing of the financial commitment and its implications for the incoming administration.

According to the World Bank’s Initial Project Information Document, obtained by newsmen, the facility is part of a broader 3.85 billion dollar infrastructure financing initiative aimed at attracting private investment into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The initiative, known as the Nigeria Infrastructure Financing and De-Risking Platform for Growth and Jobs, or INFRAGROW, was prepared and updated on November 4, 2026.

The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority will serve as the implementing agency.

The World Bank has scheduled the project’s technical design review for January 21, 2027, with May 25, 2027, proposed as its approval date.

This is four days before Nigeria’s constitutionally scheduled presidential inauguration on May 29, 2027, meaning the proposed facility could receive approval during the final days of President Bola Tinubu’s current tenure.

However, approval of the loan would not automatically translate into immediate disbursement or implementation, as the proposal is yet to receive final approval. The World Bank also notes that the published timetable remains subject to change.

The document estimates Nigeria’s annual infrastructure financing deficit at approximately 100 billion dollars, identifying inadequate investment and weak project preparation as major constraints to economic growth, fiscal sustainability and job creation.

It notes that bridging the gap requires more than additional funding, stressing the need for effective project preparation, appropriate risk-sharing mechanisms and sectoral reforms capable of attracting private capital.

The proposed 500 million dollar facility comprises 400 million dollars from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and 100 million dollars from the International Development Association.