As part of Nigeria’s strategic engagement at the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Olayemi Cardoso and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun held high-level discussions with international counterparts to advance Nigeria’s reform and financing agenda.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Governor Cardoso and Minister Edun met with World Bank President Ajay Banga in Washington. The meeting focused on deepening collaboration to support Nigeria’s macroeconomic stabilization and growth priorities, mobilize sustainable financing for infrastructure and social programs, and accelerate inclusive development. Delegation leaders discussed the role of the World Bank in supporting structural reforms, strengthening public financial management, and catalyzing private capital to complement public investment—particularly in areas such as energy, transport, and climate resilience.
Governor Cardoso also held a separate engagement with Dr. Ghiath Shabsigh, Secretary-General of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB), on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings. The discussion centered on regulatory cooperation, capacity building and the development of Islamic finance in Nigeria. Both sides explored opportunities to align Nigeria’s regulatory framework with international Islamic finance standards, enhance supervisory practices, and expand Sharia-compliant financing options to boost financial inclusion and attract new sources of investment.
The meetings reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to transparent, coordinated reforms and to partnering with multilateral institutions to unlock financing and technical support. Officials agreed on follow-up technical engagements and the establishment of targeted working groups to translate high-level discussions into practical programmes and policy support.
These engagements form part of a broader Nigerian delegation effort to strengthen international partnerships, support continued macroeconomic recovery, and secure the financing and expertise needed to advance long‑term inclusive growth.
