President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his government will keep focusing on the welfare of the poorest and most vulnerable, even as the country starts seeing the benefits of its economic reforms.
Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday during a meeting with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges caused by the reforms but promised continued efforts to ease the burden on citizens.
“We have started seeing positive results from our reforms, and the Nigerian people now understand the need for them, but we have to reduce the hardship that has resulted from the implementation,” the President said during the meeting held alongside the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Tinubu also emphasised the importance of education, noting that keeping children in school is crucial to reducing poverty and hunger.
“We have too many children out of school, and we know that education is a way out of hunger and poverty. That is why we are designing ways and incentives to keep these children in school, and we need your support,” he told the IMF chief.
The President highlighted ongoing tax reforms aimed at boosting the economy by expanding the tax base rather than increasing taxes on already burdened citizens. He also stressed the need for major investments in infrastructure to support the country’s development.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the Nigerian government’s reforms, describing them as steps in the right direction. She highlighted the IMF’s commitment to helping Nigeria diversify its economy, improve budgeting processes, and provide social safety nets for the vulnerable.
Georgieva also noted that the IMF is working with developing nations to strengthen institutions and manage global economic shocks.
She commended Nigeria’s role in advancing regional economic cooperation and pledged the IMF’s continued support for the country’s growth.
