The World Bank on Tuesday rated Nigeria as a global benchmark for “steady, credible reform leadership”.
Anna Bjerde, the bank’s managing director of operations, made the comments during a meeting on with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President Bayo Onanuga, the World Bank senior official was accompanied by other bank officials.
Bjerde hailed Nigeria’s reform drive over the past two years, praising the government’s resolve to press ahead despite headwinds.
“This consistency and the clear evidence of positive results have built strong confidence among investors, policymakers and the private sector,” she said.
She highlighted the upcoming Country Partnership Framework, which she said would be rooted in Nigeria’s ambitions, including reaching a $1tn GDP and 7% growth.
Bjerde echoed calls to improve finance access for small, medium and large firms—especially mid-sized employers—and backed Nigeria’s emphasis on early childhood development to combat stunting and lift productivity.
“Many countries … are suffering again with rising levels of stunting,” she said.
“Here, we’ve identified early childhood development as a strong entry point.”
The World Bank Group—via its IDA, IBRD and IFC arms—stands ready with public-private backing aligned to Nigeria’s goals, she added.
In his remarks, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, insisting there would be “no turning back” despite initial inflation from fuel subsidy cuts and currency unification.
Inflation has since eased, he noted, stabilising the naira, boosting investor trust and easing business operations.
Reforms, he added, rest on “transparency, accountability and stable policies”.
Agriculture is a cornerstone, with investments in zonal mechanisation centres, better seeds and fertiliser—bolstered by petrochemical growth—to scale up farming co-operatives and yields. “Nigeria is the heart of the continent,” Tinubu said.
“We must do what’s necessary to strengthen the economy, particularly [with] the young population … and vast arable lands.”
President Tinubu urged the World Bank to intensify support by speeding up finance, cutting red tape, sharing models, managing risks and building local capacity for inclusive growth.
Finance minister Wale Edun and deputy chief of staff Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia also attended the meeting.
