World Bank’s Anna Bjerde Touches Down in Nigeria for Crucial Engagement

The World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde, is set to land in Nigeria for a pivotal two-day engagement in an unprecedented visit scheduled for February 06, 2024.

Bjerde’s itinerary in Nigeria is packed with high-level bilateral meetings. Key figures on her agenda include Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mr Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; and Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Additionally, she will spearhead a roundtable with top-tier private sector leaders from the energy and digital realms.

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According to a statement from the bank, this marks her inaugural trip to Nigeria in her current role, symbolizing a significant stride in the World Bank’s deepening involvement with Nigeria’s developmental trajectory. Bjerde’s visit focuses on key pillars of Nigeria’s development strategy, encompassing macroeconomic and fiscal policies, energy access, digital infrastructure enhancement, and skill development.

A highlight of her visit was her participation in the Western and Central Africa Ministers of Finance meeting, a joint initiative by the Nigerian government and the World Bank.

Bjerde is expected to shed light on the region’s ambitious developmental goals and discuss the role of enhanced International Development Association (IDA) resources in catapulting these nations towards robust growth, job creation, and sustainable development.