Lagos deploys vehicles to strengthen World Bank HOPE Programme delivery

L - R: Basit Baruwa, director, Macro Economic Statistics Division, Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB); Olayinka Ojo, permanent secretary (MEPB); her counterpart in Primary Healthcare Board, Ibrahim Mustapha and Mobolaji Onimole, director, Development Partnership Department and the State's HOPE-PROGRAM Coordinator, during the presentation of operational vehicles for monitoring the implementation of the HOPE-PROGRAM initiatives across key sectors, held at the Secretariat, Alausa at the weekend.

The Lagos State Government has procured and deployed a new fleet of operational vehicles to deepen implementation of the World Bank-backed Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, in a move aimed at improving service delivery, monitoring, and accountability across key sectors.

The vehicles, handed over at the State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, are designated for the programme’s three core pillars, governance, primary healthcare, and basic education, with a focus on strengthening monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ope George, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, said logistics remain critical to sustaining the programme’s impact, noting that the ministry, as coordinating agency, is prioritising institutional capacity, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.

“The procurement of these operational vehicles is a deliberate step towards deepening the efficiency and reach of the World Bank HOPE- Programme. Effective monitoring and evaluation are central to sustaining the gains we have recorded so far, and these assets will significantly enhance field operations, data collection, and supervisory functions across the three key sectors,” he said.

George added that the Ministry’s coordinating role positions it to ensure stronger alignment among implementing agencies, improve accountability, and connect programme outcomes with the broader development priorities of the state.

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He expressed confidence that the deployment would improve reporting timelines and oversight, ultimately translating to better service delivery outcomes for residents.

The commissioner also acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in advancing the programme.

In line with deployment plans, Olayinka Ojo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, formally handed over the vehicles to beneficiary Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

On behalf of the health sector, Ibrahim Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, received the keys alongside representatives of other implementing agencies under the programme.

The HOPE Programme, supported by the World Bank, is designed to strengthen governance systems and improve human capital development outcomes, aligning with Lagos State’s THEMES+ development agenda.

Taofeek Oyedokun

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.