President Bola Tinubu has firmly declared that his administration will not reverse course on its economic reforms, assuring the international community that the era of policy vacillation in Nigeria is over. Speaking during a high-level meeting with a World Bank delegation at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the President insisted that despite the initial hardships faced by citizens, the structural adjustments were necessary to save the nation from economic collapse.
The delegation, led by the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, was in the country to assess the impact of the administration’s policies two years into their implementation. President Tinubu utilized the occasion to reiterate his resolve, stating clearly that having entered the “tunnel of reform,” his government has put its hands on the plow and will never look back. He acknowledged that the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate were painful decisions but maintained that they were critical for establishing a sustainable financial foundation for the country.
During the discussions held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, President Tinubu highlighted that the reforms are beginning to yield positive results, citing the stabilization of the Naira and a dramatic reduction in inflation rates compared to the onset of his tenure. He told the visiting team that the initial turbulence was the price to pay for long-term stability, arguing that those who win are not the ones who give up during difficult times. The President further solicited the bank’s support for his administration’s agricultural initiatives, specifically requesting assistance in establishing mechanization centers to boost food production and empower farmers.
In her remarks, Anna Bjerde commended the Nigerian government’s steadfastness, noting that the country has now become a global reference point for credible and steady reform leadership. She observed that while many nations often reverse difficult policies when faced with pressure, Nigeria’s consistency has built confidence among international investors and policymakers. Bjerde, who met with the President alongside other bank officials, affirmed that the World Bank would align its Country Partnership Framework with Nigeria’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy, with a specific focus on job creation for the country’s teeming youth population.
