The World Bank has praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing Nigeria as a global example of steady and credible leadership as investors regain confidence
Nigeria Emerges Global Reform Reference Point as World Bank Praises Tinubu’s Economic Direction
Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have earned global recognition, with the World Bank describing the country as a reference point for credible and consistent reform leadership.
The commendation came from Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, during a high-level meeting with President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on February 3, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Bjerde said Nigeria is now frequently cited globally as an example of a government that has demonstrated resolve, consistency, and courage in implementing difficult but necessary reforms.
She praised the Tinubu administration for staying the course over the past two years despite economic headwinds, noting that the government’s discipline has begun to yield tangible results.
“This consistency and the clear evidence of progress are building strong confidence among investors, policymakers, and the private sector,” Bjerde reportedly told the President.
The World Bank chief highlighted the forthcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF), noting that it is firmly anchored in Nigeria’s development priorities, including the ambitious goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy and sustaining 7 percent GDP growth.
President Tinubu, in his response, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the reform agenda, insisting that there would be no reversal, despite the initial challenges.
“There will be no turning back,” the President said, acknowledging that subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification initially triggered inflationary pressures.
He added, however, that inflation has since moderated, the naira has stabilised, and investor confidence has improved, enhancing the ease of doing business.
According to Tinubu, the reforms are firmly rooted in transparency, accountability, and policy stability, which he described as essential for long-term economic growth.
The President identified agricultural transformation as a cornerstone of his economic strategy, revealing that significant investments have been made to modernise the sector.
“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 our vast arable lands,” Tinubu said.
He explained that the government has established zonal mechanisation centres, improved seed development, expanded fertiliser availability, and leveraged the petrochemical industry to boost agricultural productivity.
“How do we employ mechanisation and make agriculture easier? I have embarked upon that. We have created zonal mechanisation centres to help the farmers,” he added.
President Tinubu urged the World Bank to deepen its partnership with Nigeria by accelerating financing, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, sharing development models, managing risks, and building local capacity to fast-track inclusive growth.
Bjerde, in response, stressed the importance of expanding access to finance for small, medium, and large enterprises, particularly mid-sized firms, which she described as critical engines of employment.
She also commended Nigeria’s focus on early childhood development, describing it as essential to long-term productivity and human capital development.
“Many countries around the world, including middle-income economies, are experiencing rising levels of stunting. Early childhood development is a strong entry point, and we are pleased Nigeria has prioritised this,” she said.
Bjerde assured the Nigerian government of the World Bank Group’s continued support through its institutions — the International Development Association (IDA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
She said the Bank remains committed to aligning its programmes with Nigeria’s reform priorities, combining public and private sector support to drive sustainable growth.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia.
