Nigeria could generate over $400 billion in additional income by 2040 if it prioritises investment in adolescent girls, according to a new report by the World Bank Group.
- +Nigeria could unlock $400 billion by 2040 by investing in girls – World Bank
The report estimates that achieving this would require about $37 billion in targeted investments, mainly in education, health, and economic inclusion, positioning girls as a critical lever for long-term growth and productivity.
The report estimates that achieving this would require about $37 billion in targeted investments, mainly in education, health, and economic inclusion, positioning girls as a critical lever for long-term growth and productivity.
It noted that while Nigeria shows relatively moderate levels of schooling, low early marriage rates, and fair economic participation among girls aged 15–19, deep regional, gender, and income disparities continue to limit outcomes, especially in the northern regions.
The report read, “Estimates suggest that investing in adolescent girls in Nigeria between now and 2040 could generate more than $400 billion in additional income for a cost of around $37 billion.”
It highlighted stark geographic inequalities, with adolescent girls in the North West and North East facing significantly worse outcomes due to insecurity, poverty, and weak access to education and opportunities.
The report also found that rural girls are far more disadvantaged, with only 32.4% enrolled in school compared to 59.2% in urban areas, and early marriage rates more than four times higher in rural communities.
Income inequality further compounds the challenge. Only 15.9% of girls from the poorest households are in school, compared to 62.2% among the wealthiest, while nearly 59.3% of poor girls are neither in school nor working.
The report stressed that gender disparities continue to shape outcomes, with girls facing higher risks of early marriage and lower participation in economic activities compared to boys.
The report further showed that girls are more than twice as likely as boys to be out of school and not working, highlighting structural barriers that limit their transition into productive economic roles.
To realise the projected $400 billion opportunity, the World Bank outlined key policy priorities centred on education, health, and economic empowerment.
Beyond education, strengthening legal frameworks, protecting girls from early marriage, and supporting young mothers with childcare and training were identified as critical to improving long-term outcomes.
Nairametrics earlier announced that the World Bank pledged $1.2 billion for investment in girls’ education in 18 Nigerian states, aiming to improve secondary education and empower adolescent girls.
The AGILE program targets 18 states: Borno, Ekiti, Kebbi, Kaduna, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Adamawa, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Kwara, Gombe, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
The initiative aims to reach 15.2 million students, with 8.6 million of them being adolescent girls. The program also focuses on married and unmarried girls, as well as those with disabilities.
