Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed yesterday confronted the World Bank over its claims that reversing the federal government’s current economic reforms would spell doom for the country. The governor insisted that the reforms are not working and called for a review......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The confrontation occurred at the launch of the Nigerian Development Update (NDU) in Abuja, where World Bank Country Director Dr. Ndiame Diop advised Nigerians not to oppose the current reforms, stating that while they might be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.
Governor Mohammed expressed a contrary view, asking the Federal Government to review the reforms since they were not working. He disclosed that people are hungry and that even people of his status face the threat of being lynched.
“The macro-economic policies causing inflation should be looked into. There is hunger. People are suffering,” the governor said. “Nigerians are not enjoying the reforms. The Federal Government should come up with economic policies. The money we are receiving is not enough.”
The governor also questioned the high power tariffs, stating that people are not able to pay and that the policies are not working.
In response, Dr. Diop warned that reversing the current reforms would spell doom for the country. He noted that the nation’s economy is already recording some positives, such as improvement in government revenue and a better external position with rising external reserves.
Diop charged the government to plough the gains of the reforms into social safety nets that can immediately ameliorate the impact on ordinary Nigerians who currently face tough living conditions. “Staying the course is essential for securing a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.
The debate highlights the differing perspectives on Nigeria’s current economic reforms and the challenges faced by both the government and the citizens in navigating these reforms.