Nigeria is pushing for lower borrowing costs, stronger investor support and fairer global financial conditions as it participates in the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, being held in Washington DC, the United States, this week.
In a media brief released ahead of the ongoing meetings, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, who is leading the country’s delegation, said Nigeria would use the meetings to seek support for its economic transition amid rising global uncertainty and domestic pressures.
The minister acknowledged that the meetings come at a time when global markets are under strain from the ongoing Middle East tensions, which have disrupted energy supply, tightened financial conditions and heightened inflation risks. For Nigeria, the impact has been reflected in rising fuel costs, increased food prices and pressure on households and businesses.
Against this backdrop, the Federal Government said its priority at the meetings would be to secure measures that ease fiscal pressures and support growth. Central to this is a call for lower cost of capital for developing countries, improved access to financing and global financial conditions that are less punitive to reforming economies.
Edun said Nigeria is undergoing economic adjustments while also dealing with external shocks, making it necessary for development partners to provide additional support. The government is particularly concerned about inflation and its effect on living costs, as well as the broader challenge of lifting millions out of poverty.
The minister is also expected to engage global investors, ratings agencies and development finance institutions to attract capital into the country. Officials said these engagements are aimed at strengthening investor confidence and positioning Nigeria as a viable destination for long-term investment.
Nigeria will also push the narrative that its ongoing reforms have improved macroeconomic stability and strengthened its capacity to withstand external shocks. Key reforms highlighted include subsidy removal, foreign exchange market liberalisation and efforts to boost oil production and revenues.
The government argued that while Nigeria is not insulated from global shocks, it is now better positioned to manage them. It noted that recent policy steps are focused on stabilising the economy, maintaining liquidity and supporting production.
Beyond stabilisation, Nigeria’s message at the meetings will centre on shifting to growth with plans to emphasise the need to scale private investment, deepen domestic capital markets and drive job creation. There is also a focus on leveraging regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand economic opportunities.
