Nigeria becoming global reference for credible reforms leadership –World Bank Chief

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration’s reforms are anchored in transparency, accountability, and stable policies

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

Anna Bjerde, a World Bank chief, has said Nigeria is now frequently cited globally, as an example of steady, credible reform leadership.

Bjerde, who is Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, made the remark Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

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Some other World Bank officials accompanied Bjerde to the meeting.

The Managing Director of the World Bank also lauded Nigeria for the West African country’s reform progress over the past two years.

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She particularly referred to the Nigerian Government’s consistent resolve to stay the course despite challenges in the economy.

This consistency and the clear evidence of positive results, she said, have built strong confidence among investors, policymakers, and the private sector.

The Bank Chief highlighted the forthcoming Country Partnership Framework as being firmly anchored in Nigeria’s own development vision, particularly the goal of achieving a $1 trillion GDP and 7 percent growth.

Responding, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging that though the process has been challenging.

Tinubu asserted: “There will be no turning back.” The Nigerian President emphasised while the subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates initially triggered inflation, it has since reduced significantly, and the Naira has stabilised, improving investor confidence and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).

Insight into Nigeria’s economic reforms, by Tinubu

President Tinubu said his administration’s reforms being implemented are anchored in transparency, accountability, and stable policies.

The President further  highlighted agricultural transformation as a priority of his administration, noting that investments have been made in the sector through zonal mechanisation centres, improved seed development, and fertilizer availability, supported by the growing petrochemical industry, to boost yields and move farmers from small-scale operations into strong cooperatives.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement Tuesday, also noted President Tinubu said: “Nigeria is the heart of the continent, and we must do what’s necessary to strengthen the economy, particularly looking at the young population of this country, looking at the vast area of arable lands.

“How do we employ mechanisation and make agriculture easier? I have embarked upon that.”

The Nigerian leader stated: “We have created zonal mechanisation centres to help the farmers.”

The President urged the World Bank to deepen its partnership with Nigeria by accelerating financing options, reducing bureaucracy, sharing development models, managing risks, and building local skills to fast-track inclusive growth and prosperity.

It is noted that during the meeting, Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank, had underscored the importance of improving access to finance for small, medium, and large enterprises, especially mid-sized firms, which are key drivers of employment.

She equally acknowledged Nigeria’s focus on strengthening early childhood development as essential to long-term productivity, and assured the Bank’s support in this regard.

Bjerde further explained: “Many countries around the world, even middle-income and upper-middle-income countries, are suffering again with rising levels of stunting.

“And here, we’ve identified early childhood development as a strong entry point.

“So, all of this, to say we’re looking forward to a new country partnership framework.”

The World Bank chief also reaffirmed the global lender’s commitment to a programme aligned with Nigeria’s priorities, combining public and private sector support.

Bjerde stressed that the World Bank Group, through its institutions, including the International Development Association (IDA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is ready to continue to support Nigeria’s reform agenda.

Mr. Wale Edun, Honourable Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, were present at the event, the statement noted.

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