Anna Bjerde
Olamilekan Abayomi
The World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, has praised Nigeria’s economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, stating that the country has become a global reference point for steady and credible reform implementation. Bjerde commended Nigeria’s progress over the past two years, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and policy stability despite challenges.
The World Bank’s endorsement is based on Nigeria’s achievements in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure investment, and access to finance for small and medium enterprises. The bank has also announced a new reform-linked budget support operation and expanded risk guarantees to attract private capital, with a public sector portfolio of $17 billion and IFC investments of $5 billion annually.
President Tinubu has assured the World Bank that Nigeria’s reform agenda is irreversible, emphasizing the need for sustained growth and macroeconomic stability. The country’s goal is to achieve a $1 trillion economy and 7% growth, with job creation being a central focus.
Bjerde highlighted the importance of improving access to finance for small, medium, and large enterprises, especially mid-sized firms, which are key drivers of employment. She also acknowledged Nigeria’s focus on strengthening early childhood development as essential to long-term productivity.
The World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework is firmly anchored in Nigeria’s own development vision, particularly the goal of achieving a $1 trillion GDP and 7% growth. The bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s reform agenda, combining public and private sector support.
Tinubu has urged the World Bank to accelerate innovative financing, reduce bureaucracy, and deepen skills development. He emphasized that the reforms are anchored in transparency, accountability, and stable policies, describing them as essential foundations for long-term economic growth.
The reforms have yielded positive results, including a decline in food prices and inflation. Nigeria’s inclusion on the IMF’s list of countries expected to contribute to global growth is seen as a testament to the success of the reforms.
