VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA REAFFIRMS NIGERIA’S REGIONAL COMMITMENT AT OUATTARA INAUGURATION; WORLD BANK PLEDGES DEEPER PARTNERSHIP ON REFORMS

Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and stability while representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, as the World Bank simultaneously pledged to heighten its partnership with Nigeria on key reforms. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Stanley Nkwocha detailed the events in a statement.

At the ceremony on Monday, Vice President Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s warm congratulations to President Ouattara and expressed confidence in his continued leadership. Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the strong partnership between both nations and working together to advance peace, stability, security, and prosperity across West Africa. The Vice President noted that both countries would further strengthen their economic ties through agriculture and trade relations.

In his inaugural address, President Ouattara thanked visiting leaders for their solidarity, promising to continue working for the well-being of his citizens and to engage more robustly in diplomatic relations for mutual benefit. The event was attended by numerous West African leaders and a United States Presidential Delegation.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the inauguration, Vice President Shettima met with the World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. Nkwocha stated that Shettima outlined the positive results of the Tinubu administration’s bold reforms, noting the administration had to contend with the negative impact of the oil subsidy regime. The Vice President said the ongoing tax reforms have yielded positive results, stating “we have crossed the Rubicon.” He acknowledged initial pains but said dividends are now showing, with the administration focusing on gender empowerment, the digital economy, and agriculture to turn demographic bulge into dividends.

In response, Anna Bjerde commended Nigeria for taking pragmatic initiatives to position the country on the right path. Bjerde said in a statement, “First, on energy, we’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected.” She further revealed that the World Bank will encourage and enhance the upliftment and education of the girl-child in Nigeria, pledging heightened partnership on energy, job creation and gender empowerment initiatives.

The Vice President commended the World Bank team for its support. Nkwocha confirmed the World Bank’s applause for the administration’s reform policies and its commitment to expanded collaboration.