The World Bank has applauded the reform policies of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to heighten its partnership with Nigeria on energy, job creation and gender empowerment initiatives. The institution made this commitment as Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, attended the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara in Côte d’Ivoire, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability.
Vice President Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event held on Monday in Abidjan. The inauguration attracted West African leaders and other international dignitaries who gathered at the Presidential Palace, where President Ouattara took his oath of office for another term. The Ivorian President pledged to prioritise national reconciliation and economic stability as he begins his new mandate.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, the Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s congratulations to President Ouattara and expressed confidence in his continued leadership. Shettima wished him success in his new term and emphasised that Nigeria values its long-standing relationship with Côte d’Ivoire. He stated that both nations will continue working together to advance peace, security and prosperity across the West African region.
Shettima noted that the two countries have opportunities to strengthen economic ties, especially through agriculture and trade relations. He said the administration of President Tinubu remains committed to deepening cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire.
In his inaugural speech, President Ouattara thanked visiting leaders who attended the ceremony in solidarity with Côte d’Ivoire. He promised to continue promoting the welfare of citizens while boosting diplomatic engagements for shared benefits among regional partners.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were leaders of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola, Ghana and former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The United States sent a presidential delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, while high-level representatives from ECOWAS and other nations were in attendance.
Meanwhile, Nigeria received commendation from the World Bank during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and the Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, held in Abidjan on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony. The global institution applauded the reform efforts of the Tinubu administration and noted its intention to strengthen support in critical sectors.
The Vice President explained to Ms Bjerde that the administration, from inception, had to deal with the negative impact of the oil subsidy regime on economic growth. He highlighted positive results from ongoing reforms, saying the bold decisions taken were necessary for long-term development. He remarked that the ongoing tax reforms have been fruitful, declaring “we have crossed the Rubicon.”
Shettima acknowledged that some reforms were painful at the initial stage but insisted that they have started yielding dividends. He said the government aims to convert Nigeria’s demographic growth into economic strength by promoting gender empowerment, boosting digital economy participation and supporting agricultural productivity.
The Vice President commended the World Bank for its support to Nigeria and called for continued collaboration in key sectors that will drive economic advancement and social improvement.
On her part, Ms Bjerde praised Nigeria’s pragmatic initiatives and stated the World Bank’s readiness to increase cooperation, especially in the energy sector. According to her, “First, on energy, we’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected.”
She also revealed that the World Bank will place more focus on girl-child education and empowerment in Nigeria. The meeting further affirmed the global lender’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the country, particularly in projects targeted at improving livelihoods, supporting women and expanding access to reliable power.
