World Bank President Ajay Banga is embarking on a three-day visit to Nigeria as part of his global tour aimed at redefining the institution’s role, News About Nigeria reports.
During his stay in Nigeria, he will engage in significant meetings with President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, as mentioned in a statement released by the World Bank.
The focus of Banga’s visit will be on identifying opportunities to empower young people and women by creating job prospects, addressing the country’s energy needs, and promoting renewable energy solutions. Additionally, he will explore the potential for digitization in Nigeria to foster further economic growth and development.
One of the key highlights of his itinerary will be a visit to a World Bank-financed mini-grid power plant that provides solar energy to an entire community. This visit will demonstrate the World Bank’s commitment to supporting sustainable energy initiatives in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Banga will visit a successful woman-owned business that has made a significant impact by generating over 1,500 service-sector jobs for young Nigerians. This visit aims to showcase the positive contributions of private sector enterprises in fostering economic growth and job opportunities.
To encourage more comprehensive discussions and collaborations, the World Bank will convene meetings with representatives from the private sector and civil society. These engagements will facilitate the exchange of ideas and strategies to tackle pressing economic and social challenges in Nigeria.
It is worth noting that Banga’s visit to Nigeria follows a previous two-day visit to Ethiopia. During his time in Nigeria, he will be accompanied by his wife, Ritu Banga, which reflects the World Bank’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and connections with countries it seeks to support.
Overall, President Banga’s visit to Nigeria represents a crucial step in the World Bank’s mission to create a new playbook for the institution and promote sustainable development in the country.
