By Milcah Tanimu
The World Bank has sanctioned a $2.25 billion loan to bolster Nigeria’s economic reform efforts. This financial support is intended to stabilize the economy, promote growth, and aid vulnerable communities. The loan comprises $1.5 billion for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) program and $750 million for the Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) program.
The World Bank highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to crucial reforms, such as unifying exchange rates, adjusting gasoline prices, and tightening monetary policy to curb inflation. The loan’s objective is to fortify Nigeria’s economic policy framework, generate fiscal space, and safeguard the vulnerable population.
Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s backing, emphasizing that the reforms aim to restore macroeconomic stability and create quality jobs and economic opportunities for all Nigerians. Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Vice President for Western and Central Africa, commended Nigeria’s efforts, stating that these reforms set the country on a new path towards economic stability and poverty alleviation. This loan package underscores the World Bank’s partnership with Nigeria and its commitment to supporting economic reform initiatives in Africa.