THE World Bank has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption fight, the war against insurgency and the effort towards restoration of peace and security in the country as well as his determination to create jobs and eradicate poverty.
The Bank also pledged to support Nigeria’s policies towards strengthening the economic sector amongst others.
Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank, Sri Indrawati, stated this yesterday after meeting with President Buhari State House Correspondents.
The World Bank boss told that they support the country’s reform agenda on natural resources, fiscal policy amongst others.
“We would like to know how we can help Nigeria to make very important decisions, whether on micro economic policies and other sectoral policies that will make this economy to move forward and become a strong middle-income country to have a much more inclusive growth; to have a vibrant economic activity, creating jobs and eradicating poverty.”
Indrawati, who was visiting the country for the first time, said the Nigerian economy, like many other countries in the world, was now facing weak global economy, low commodity price in goods and oil price, challenge of climate change and insecurity.
She said government’s reforms as well as economic difficulties were discussed at the meeting, especially the need for a wider economic agenda.
“We discussed about the agricultural sector, infrastructure and the need to pursue and continue doing a very difficult reform. The president has a very heavy attention on infrastructure and agriculture, that is one area we would also like to support with our own ideas by the private sector arm of the world bank,” she said.
Indrawati said the meeting also focused on the possible areas of priority, mode of engagement and the operational details of how these could be used in the most effective way.
“We also discussed more in terms of the need to diversify the economy away from oil. We also discussed on how to improve the fiscal side with the minister of finance under her leadership, and try to improve on the revenue side, whether to improve collection tax as well as to fight against inefficiency and corruption.