While in Abidjan, Vice President Shettima also met with World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde, who commended Nigeria’s reform agenda and pledged expanded support for key sectors, including energy, job creation, and gender empowerment.
Responding to the World Bank team, the Vice President outlined reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration—including fuel subsidy removal and ongoing tax reforms—emphasising that despite initial difficulties, the long-term economic benefits are becoming evident.
“We have crossed the Rubicon,” Senator Shettima said, highlighting efforts to convert Nigeria’s demographic bulge into a demographic dividend through investments in digital technology, agriculture, and women’s economic empowerment.
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Ms. Bjerde praised Nigeria’s policy direction and confirmed the World Bank’s readiness to strengthen collaboration.
“On energy, we are stepping up efforts on several fronts to ensure that about four million Nigerians are connected,” she stated, adding that the Bank would scale up support for girl-child education and empowerment programmes.
The Vice President expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s continued partnership and its role in supporting Nigeria’s development priorities.
