By Danjuma Amodu| February 3, 2026
Nigeria is now frequently cited globally as an example of steady, credible reform leadership, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, has said.
Bjerde made the remark at a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, commending Nigeria’s reform progress over the past two years.
According to Bjerde, the government’s consistent resolve to stay the course despite challenges has built strong confidence among investors, policymakers, and the private sector. She 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.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ongoing economic reforms, saying “there will be no turning back” despite the challenges. He stressed that the reforms, anchored in transparency, accountability, and stable policies, are already yielding results, with inflation reducing significantly and the naira stabilising.
The President highlighted agricultural transformation as a priority, noting investments in zonal mechanisation centres, improved seed development, and fertiliser availability. He called on the World Bank to deepen its partnership with Nigeria, accelerating financing options, reducing bureaucracy, and sharing development models.
Bjerde assured the World Bank’s continued support, highlighting the importance of improving access to finance for small, medium, and large enterprises. She also acknowledged Nigeria’s focus on strengthening early childhood development as essential to long-term productivity.
The meeting discussed Nigeria’s vast potential, with President Tinubu emphasising the need to leverage the country’s young population and arable land to drive growth. The World Bank pledged to support Nigeria’s reform agenda, combining public and private sector support through its various institutions.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, were also present at the meeting.
