Otamere Gladness 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reaffirmed their partnership to advance the country’s ongoing economic reforms and strengthen medium-term development planning, following high-level talks in Abuja.
The IMF delegation, led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, Assistant Director, African Department, met with Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
The meeting focused on Nigeria’s reform trajectory, fiscal policy alignment, and preparations for the 2026–2030 National Development Plan.
Schimmelpfennig acknowledged Nigeria’s persistence in carrying out reforms despite global economic pressures, describing it as a sign of institutional progression.
“We would like to understand your outlook for the next year and the medium term,” he said. “Nigeria’s continued policy coherence during reform cycles demonstrates growing institutional maturity.”
Bagudu emphasised the government’s commitment to leveraging reforms to drive inclusive, sustainable growth.
“We are not lamenting; we are learning and refining,” he stated. “Our partnership with the IMF is about innovation, not dependency.”
He added that the forthcoming National Development Plan aims to position Nigeria on a path toward a $1 trillion economy by 2030, integrating the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Plan to harness local economic potential across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards.
Officials say the continued collaboration will support macroeconomic stability, expand fiscal space, and foster long-term growth-enabling investments.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Mirian Gom 
Chukwu Obinna 