February 04, (THEWILL) — The World Bank has declared Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu as a global reference point for steady and credible leadership, citing the government’s resolve to stay the course despite initial challenges.
The commendation came on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, during a high-level meeting with President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja.
Bjerde noted that Nigeria is now frequently cited internationally as an example of consistent reform implementation, which has helped rebuild confidence among global investors and policymakers.
According to Bjerde, the World Bank’s forthcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Nigeria will be firmly anchored in the country’s own development vision, including the targets of a $1 trillion economy and a 7 percent growth rate.
She praised the administration for its steady communication regarding the necessity of the reforms, noting that feedback from the private sector confirms improving sentiment and strong results.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the reform agenda, declaring that there will be “no turning back.”
He acknowledged that while the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates initially triggered high inflation, the situation has since stabilized, leading to a stronger naira and a better environment for ease of doing business.
“Since we went into this journey of reform, we have our hands on the plough, and we are never going to look back,” the President said.
He emphasized that the reforms are rooted in transparency and accountability, which are essential for long-term economic stability.
Tinubu identified agricultural transformation as a major pillar of his strategy, highlighting investments in zonal mechanization centers, improved seed development, and increased fertilizer availability supported by the nation’s growing petrochemical industry.
He urged the World Bank to deepen its engagement by accelerating access to innovative financing and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to drive inclusive growth.
Bjerde underscored the importance of expanding access to finance for mid-sized firms, which are critical drivers of job creation.
She also praised Nigeria’s focus on early childhood development to combat stunting and assured the bank’s continued support through its various institutions, including the IDA, IBRD, and IFC.
The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and other senior government officials. The visit concludes a three-day mission by Bjerde to discuss strategies for boosting employment and private-sector growth in Nigeria.
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