The World Bank has commended President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, describing Nigeria as a frequent global example of successful reform implementation.
The bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, made this known during a visit to the State House, Abuja. She said Nigeria’s reform outcomes over the past two years were widely discussed among global leaders, policymakers and investors.
Ms Bjerde said, “Nigeria is a frequent example in my discussions around the world because the results achieved in two years are really commendable.”
She praised the president’s consistency and leadership despite challenges, adding, “Even when reform implementation is difficult, there is no turning back. You are staying the course.”
She also revealed that a new reform-linked budget support programme and expanded risk guarantees were being prepared, stressing, “Your reforms and our budget support go hand in hand.”
Responding, President Tinubu said his administration’s reforms were irreversible, noting that Nigeria had “its hands on the plough” and would not retreat. He added, “Since we went into this turn of reform, we are never going to look back.”
The president acknowledged that the reforms were initially painful but necessary for long-term stability. He also highlighted progress in curbing inflation, saying, “The first reaction was high inflation, but it has come down dramatically. Now that it is stable, we can help investors.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and economic growth and urged the World Bank to accelerate innovative financing and deepen partnership with Nigeria.
