Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has welcomed a positive assessment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), describing it as a major endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda and evidence that Africa’s largest economy is becoming more resilient despite global uncertainties.
Reacting to the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Mission Concluding Statement, the government said the report validates a series of bold economic reforms that have reshaped Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary landscape over the past year.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the IMF assessment confirms that Nigeria is “moving in the right direction and is better positioned to withstand global economic uncertainties than at any time in recent years.”
The IMF commended key policy measures implemented by the administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the end of deficit monetisation, foreign exchange market liberalisation and tighter fiscal discipline.
According to the government, these reforms have strengthened macroeconomic stability, improved investor confidence and enhanced the country’s ability to absorb external shocks.
Despite new global pressures arising from tensions in the Middle East, including rising energy and food prices, Nigeria has maintained relative economic stability. Officials noted that the foreign exchange market premium remained below five per cent, sovereign bond spreads stayed stable and investor confidence continued to improve.
The IMF also observed that Nigeria could benefit from higher global energy prices through increased export earnings and government revenues.
However, the Fund cautioned that poverty and food insecurity remain significant challenges despite nearly 10 per cent per capita income growth recorded in 2025.
“Macroeconomic stability, while necessary, is not sufficient on its own. Economic growth must be inclusive,” the statement noted.
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Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu 
