Wale Edun, Nigeria’s minister of finance has reiterated the country’s commitment to private sector-driven growth, and reduced reliance on external debt financing during a meeting with Zainab Ahmed, executive director of World Bank.

Edun acknowledged the World Bank’s role in supporting Nigeria’s development but emphasised the government’s focus on fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts sustainable investments. Part of a broader strategy to leverage alternative financing sources beyond traditional multilateral loans.

Ahmed, who previously served as Nigeria’s minister of finance, praised the country’s macroeconomic reforms which have improved fiscal stability and investor confidence.

She highlighted the World Bank’s recent financial reforms that have enhanced its lending capacity, making an additional $150 billion available over the next decade.

A key area of discussion was Nigeria’s role in Mission 300, the World Bank’s initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans.

Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the programme, stressing that improved power infrastructure is critical for economic growth, industrial expansion, and private sector competitiveness.

Edun emphasised that President Tinubu remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation, reducing dependency on external borrowing, and ensuring long-term, private-sector-led development.

Dipo Oladehinde is a skilled energy analyst with experience across Nigeria's energy sector alongside relevant know-how about Nigeria’s macro economy. He provides a blend of market intelligence, financial analysis, industry insight, micro and macro-level analysis of a wide range of local and international issues as well as informed technical rudiments for policy-making and private directions.

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