Abuja, February 4, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, declaring that there will be “no looking back” despite the initial challenges faced by citizens.
The President made this declaration during a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, where he received a delegation from the World Bank led by Anna Bjerde, the Managing Director of Operations.
Tinubu emphasized that the reforms— including the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange unification—were essential to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, prevent fiscal crises, and unlock long-term prosperity. He highlighted early positive signs, such as the stabilization of the naira, and positioned Nigeria as the “heart of the African continent” that must decisively transform its economic structure to leverage its youthful population and vast resources.
A key focus of the discussions was agriculture, which the President identified as a critical pillar for inclusive growth, job creation, and food security. Tinubu outlined ongoing government initiatives to modernize the sector, including:
Establishment of zonal mechanisation centres across the country to provide farmers with essential equipment and make farming more efficient.
Expansion of access to improved seedlings and high-quality inputs.
Leveraging Nigeria’s increasing petrochemical output to enhance local fertiliser production and availability.
He stressed the need to transition small-scale farmers from subsistence operations to larger cooperatives capable of improving yields, accessing markets, and generating broader economic opportunities.
President Tinubu specifically called on the World Bank to deepen and fast-track its partnership with Nigeria by:
Exploring innovative financing options to accelerate growth.
Reducing bureaucratic intermediaries and managing investment risks.
Supporting seed development, agricultural mechanisation, value chains, and skill-building for Nigerians.
Aligning assistance with priorities in agriculture, infrastructure, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and human capital development.
The World Bank delegation commended Nigeria’s reform efforts, describing the country as a “global reference point for steady, credible reform leadership.” Anna Bjerde affirmed the Bank’s strong support for the administration’s resolve and alignment with Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy.
The meeting underscores the Tinubu administration’s push for collaborative international support to build a more resilient, private sector-driven economy while addressing key sectors like agriculture to benefit Nigeria’s large young population and vast arable lands.
Clarion Newschannel will continue to monitor developments in this strategic partnership.
Tinubu Declares ‘No Turning Back’ on Economic Reforms, Urges World Bank to Accelerate Support for Agriculture Mechanisation and Growth
