World Bank President Visits Nigeria, To Focus On Job Creation, Energy

The President of World Bank, Ajay Banga is set to commence a three-day visit to Nigeria which will focus on job generating avenues for teeming Nigerian young population as well as bridging the country’s energy gap, the international lender said in a statement on Tuesday.

The visit on Thursday will see the World Bank chief meet with the President of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the statement added.

The visit is referred to as the next step of a global tour that is at the centre of a mission to write a new playbook for the 78-year-old institution.

“Banga will focus his time in Nigeria on identifying opportunities to create jobs for young people and women, addressing energy needs and renewable energy, and further exploring the potential for digitisation,” the World Bank said.

While in the most populous West African country, Banga will also visit a World Bank-financed mini-grid power plant that provides solar energy to an entire community.

He would also meet with a woman-owned business that has generated more than 1,500 service-sector jobs for young Nigerians.

Representatives from the private sector and civil society are also billed to interact with the World Bank chief at a scheduled discussion.

Banga is arriving after a two-day visit to Ethiopia and will be joined by his wife Ritu Banga.