Nigeria boosts global trust with top-level World Bank talks

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Federal Government of Nigeria is building international confidence through high-level economic discussions, as highlighted in a statement obtained from the Ministry of Finance released on Thursday.

This week, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, held strategic talks in Abuja with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group, and senior officials.

The meeting reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s clear economic direction and “rising global confidence in the country’s reform programme,” the statement noted.

Edun emphasised “strong momentum across key sectors, driven by decisive policy action and a renewed focus on growth, investment, and job creation.”

Discussions focused on critical areas like expanding reliable electricity, strengthening agriculture, accelerating digital infrastructure, improving trade flows, and unlocking private sector investment to foster a more productive economy.

Nigeria also spotlighted its leadership in energy reform and ambition to become a regional economic hub, bolstered by Abuja’s role as host to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Bjerde praised the progress, stating she welcomed “Nigeria’s reform progress and commended the government’s clarity of purpose, noting increasing confidence from international markets and partners.”

She reaffirmed World Bank support for Nigeria’s investment-led growth, with a focus on infrastructure and private sector involvement.

Both parties agreed to accelerate implementation, attract large-scale capital, and create opportunities for Nigeria’s population.

The statement concluded that the engagement underscores “Nigeria’s transition from reform to results and a shared commitment to building a stronger economy that delivers jobs, stability, and prosperity for Nigerians.”