Abuja – Nigeria February 3, 2026
The Managing Director of Operations, World Bank, Mrs Anna Bjerde, has said that Nigeria is now cited globally as an example of steady, credible reform leadership.
A statement signed by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & strategy, said that Bjerde, made the remark at a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday.
She commended Nigeria’s reform progress over the past two years, particularly the government’s consistent resolve to stay the course despite challenges.
“This consistency and the clear evidence of positive results, she said, have built strong confidence among investors, policymakers, and the private sector,” the MD said.
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% growth.
During the meeting, Bjerde 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 acknowledged Nigeria’s focus on strengthening early childhood development as essential to long-term productivity, and assured the Bank’s support in this regard.
“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,” she said.
She reaffirmed the World Bank Group’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, 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.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging that though the process has been challenging, “there will be no turning back.”
The President however, stressed that while the subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates initially triggered inflation, it has since reduced significantly.
The naira he explained, has since stabilised, improving investor confidence and ease of doing business. According to Tinubu, the reforms being implemented are anchored in transparency, accountability, and stable policies.
He stressed that agricultural transformation is a priority of his administration, noting that investments have been made in the sector through zonal mechanisation centres.
Moreso, Tinubu disclosed that investments were made in improved seed development, and fertiliser availability, supported by the growing petrochemical industry, to boost yields and move farmers from small-scale operations into strong cooperatives.
“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, and the vast area of arable lands. “How do we employ mechanisation and make agriculture easier? I have embarked upon that.
“We have created zonal mechanisation centres to help the farmers,” The President said.
He further called on 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.
The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia as well other bank managers, were also present at the event.
