Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, on Wednesday welcomed the release of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) findings on Nigeria, following the conclusion of the Article IV Consultation in April 2025.

Edun expressed appreciation for the IMF’s recognition of the Federal Government’s ongoing reform efforts and the tangible progress achieved over the past two years. These reforms have contributed to notable improvements in Nigeria’s fiscal and external positions, bolstering investor confidence and strengthening the resilience of the economy.

The Minister also welcomed the Fund’s acknowledgment of advancements in the agricultural sector, particularly increased food production, which has contributed to moderating inflation. As of May 2025, headline inflation eased to 22.9 percent, while food inflation declined to 21.4 percent both improvements from the higher levels recorded during the IMF mission.

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He further noted the IMF’s positive outlook, which affirms that Nigeria’s economic reforms have positioned the country to better withstand external shocks.

In response to the downside risks highlighted in the IMF’s report, particularly uncertainties in the global economy, Edun reaffirmed the government’s proactive stance. He emphasised that the implementation of the 2025 Budget is being carried out with a focus on safeguarding reform gains and ensuring economic stability. The government continues to monitor developments in the international oil market and global trade environment, and is taking responsive measures to mitigate potential risks, while maintaining momentum toward inclusive growth.

The Federal Government remains fully committed to sound economic management that promotes macroeconomic stability, broad-based growth, and improved living standards for all Nigerians.

Hope Moses-Ashike is an Associate Editor, Banking and Finance, with more than a decade of experience reporting on Nigeria’s financial system and broader economy. She closely tracks market movements, monetary policy decisions, company disclosures, regulatory actions, economic indicators, and global developments, and interprets what they mean for businesses, investors, policymakers, and households. Her reporting helps readers understand complex issues such as inflation trends, foreign exchange market dynamics, interest rate decisions, bank performance, and investment risks. She also covers major international events and periodically travels to Washington, D.C., to report on the World Bank/IMF Spring and Annual Meetings. Her dedication to financial journalism has earned her multiple recognitions and invitations to high-level professional development programmes. She is an alumna of the International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the United States and holds an Advanced Financial Journalism Certificate from the Press Association Training in London, UK. Her other notable achievements include completing the Lagos Business School CMC Programme, the Bloomberg Media Africa Initiative Programme, and a Master Class in Journalism at Rhodes University in South Africa.

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