Nigeria is emerging as a global reference point for steady and credible reform leadership, according to the Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, Anna Bjerde. She makes this assessment during a high-level meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where she commends the country’s reform direction and consistency.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Bjerde says Nigeria’s reform journey over the past two years stands out internationally, especially for the government’s determination to stay the course despite economic pressures and political challenges. She notes that this consistency sends a strong signal to global investors, development partners, and the private sector.
The World Bank official explains that credible leadership, policy clarity, and visible results are key reasons Nigeria is gaining renewed confidence on the global stage. According to her, these factors help to rebuild trust in institutions and improve long-term economic planning.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that Bjerde highlights the upcoming Country Partnership Framework between Nigeria and the World Bank Group as being firmly aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities. These include the ambitious target of building a one-trillion-dollar economy and sustaining an annual growth rate of about seven percent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his response, reaffirms his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, stressing that there will be no reversal despite initial difficulties. He acknowledges that policies such as fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification triggered short-term inflationary pressures but insists that the economy is now stabilising.
The President notes that inflation is gradually easing, the naira is showing greater stability, and investor confidence is improving. He says these outcomes confirm that the reforms, though painful at the early stages, are necessary to restore economic balance and credibility.
President Tinubu emphasises that his reform agenda is anchored on transparency, accountability, and policy stability. He explains that Nigeria can no longer afford inconsistent policies if it hopes to attract sustainable investment and create jobs for its growing population.
Agricultural transformation remains a major priority for the administration, with the President outlining steps already taken to modernise the sector. These include the establishment of zonal mechanisation centres, improved seed development, better fertiliser supply, and stronger linkages with the petrochemical industry to support large-scale farming.
He explains that the goal is to move Nigerian farmers from subsistence practices to organised cooperatives that can benefit from technology, financing, and access to wider markets. According to him, agriculture holds the key to food security, employment, and inclusive growth.
Calling for deeper collaboration, President Tinubu urges the World Bank to accelerate financing processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, share global best practices, and help Nigeria build local capacity. He stresses that faster access to funding and technical support will help translate reforms into real benefits for citizens.
In her remarks, Anna Bjerde agrees that access to finance remains critical, especially for small, medium, and mid-sized enterprises, which she describes as major drivers of employment and innovation. She says improving credit flow to these businesses will strengthen Nigeria’s economic base.
She also acknowledges Nigeria’s focus on early childhood development, describing it as a smart long-term investment. According to her, many countries are facing rising levels of child malnutrition, and addressing this early is essential for future productivity and human capital development.
Bjerde assures Nigeria of the World Bank Group’s continued support through its key institutions, including the International Development Association, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Finance Corporation. She says the Bank’s programmes will continue to combine public and private sector support in line with Nigeria’s priorities.
The meeting also has in attendance the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, underscoring the importance of the engagement.
As Nigeria pushes forward with its reform agenda, both sides express optimism that sustained collaboration will drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s position as an economic leader in Africa.
