The World Bank has mandated the hiring of a security consultant to tackle pervasive security issues affecting its $1.2 billion Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Nigeria.
Launched to enhance secondary education opportunities for girls in targeted areas, the project has faced significant challenges due to security concerns.
Initially approved in July 2020 with a $500 million loan, the project received an additional $700 million in September 2023, bringing total funding to $1.2 billion.
However, only 49% of the initial financing has been disbursed, with no funds yet disbursed from the additional financing, leading to delays in implementation.
The AGILE project comprises key components: creating safe learning spaces ($757.30 million), fostering an enabling environment for girls ($373.50 million), project management and system strengthening ($59.20 million), and unallocated funds ($10 million).
Despite a delayed start, the project has made notable achievements, including the completion of 20 schools and the ongoing construction of 258 schools, which will add 2,112 classrooms across four states.
Financial incentives have supported 464,068 beneficiaries, facilitating transitions from primary to junior secondary school, retention in junior secondary school, and progression to senior secondary school.
