World Bank MD Hails Nigeria as Global Reference Point for Bold, Credible Reforms

Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s managing director (MD) for operations, has applauded Nigeria for becoming a frequent global reference point for steady, credible reform leadership.

President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima welcomed Bjerde and a World Bank group to the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special assistant on communication and strategy.

The MD praised Nigeria’s reforms during the last two years, especially the government’s persistent determination to stick with the plan in the face of obstacles.

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She claimed that investors, legislators, and the private sector now have a great deal of faith in the changes because of their consistency and successful outcomes.

Bjerde further emphasized that Nigeria’s own development strategy, which includes the objective of reaching a $1 trillion GDP and 7 percent growth, is the foundation of the upcoming country partnership framework.

The MD also demanded that small, medium, and large businesses—particularly mid-sized ones, which she claimed are important employers—have better access to financing.

Additionally, Bjerde assured the federal government of the World Bank’s support and recognized Nigeria’s emphasis on bolstering early childhood development as crucial to long-term productivity.

“Many countries around the world, even middle-income and upper-middle-income countries, are suffering again with rising levels of stunting. And here, we’ve identified early childhood development as a strong entry point. So, all of this, to say we’re looking forward to a new country partnership framework,” she said.

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The MD also reiterated the World Bank’s dedication to a program that combines public and private sector support and is in line with Nigeria’s priorities.

According to Bjerde, the World Bank is prepared to keep assisting Nigeria’s reform agenda through its organisations, the International Development Association (IDA), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the president’s deputy chief of staff, and Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, were also in attendance.