July 1 (Reuters) - The World Bank Group has approved a new long-term partnership strategy for Nigeria alongside $1.25 billion in financing, aiming to drive job creation and economic growth by unlocking private sector investment and expanding access to energy, digital, and agricultural services.

• The World Bank Group approved a 2026–2032 Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria and $1.25 billion financing package aimed at driving job creation through private sector–led growth.

• The strategy builds on recent reforms that have lifted growth, revenues and reserves, and aims to translate gains into broader living standards.

• Targets expanded access: energy for 32 million people, broadband for 58 million, better health and nutrition for 40 million and support for 9.5 million farmers.

• Financing backs reforms to deepen capital markets, modernise digital regulation, expand electrification, ease regional trade, improve farm inputs and boost domestic revenues.

• Officials say unlocking private investment and tackling structural constraints - supported by guarantees and policy reforms - is key to sustaining growth, resilience and poverty reduction.