Fact-Check: The Viral Claim About World Bank Praise for Tinubu’s Reforms -

Last Updated on 4 February 2026

A viral claim circulating online suggests that the World Bank called Nigeria’s economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu a “global model.” A closer look shows this is an oversimplification of what Anna Bjerde, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, actually said.

What the World Bank Really Said

Bjerde described Nigeria as an “emerging reference point” or a “frequently cited example” of steady, credible reform leadership, not an unqualified global model. Her remarks were framed within a broader discussion of policy consistency and investor confidence, rather than an endorsement of all outcomes.

She praised Nigeria’s tough fiscal choices, including fuel-subsidy removal and forex reforms, noting how these measures contributed to rising investor confidence. Bjerde also outlined a forthcoming Country Partnership Framework, aligned with Nigeria’s long-term development vision, targeting $1 trillion GDP and 7% growth, backed by up to $17 billion in World Bank financing over several years.

Inflation, Naira, and the Lived Reality

Official statistics show that inflation has fallen from near 35% to around 15%, and the official naira–dollar rate has stabilized near ₦1,387/USD. These figures are often cited by the government and the World Bank as evidence of macroeconomic progress.

However, parallel-market exchange rates remain volatile, and prices for food, transport, and essential goods are still high. Many households feel little relief, showing a gap between macroeconomic indicators and everyday reality.

Reforms and Who Bears the Cost

While fuel-subsidy removal and forex unification improve transparency and help narrow gaps between official and parallel rates, they also increase transport and production costs, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income Nigerians.

Small businesses frequently struggle to access foreign exchange, and unemployment and insecurity remain high, even as GDP growth ticks upward.

Why the Viral Narrative is Misleading

The “global model” phrasing comes from media summaries and social media posts, not any official World Bank release. Bjerde’s actual wording was more cautious and contextual.

This case illustrates how short clips and headlines can exaggerate praise, giving the impression that reforms are universally successful, even when many Nigerians experience little change in their day-to-day lives.

Takeaway for Nigerians

Some of Tinubu’s reforms have technical merit and are being recognized in terms of international investment support.

Yet living standards and social safety nets have not improved at the same pace. Claims of “World Bank praise” should therefore be approached with critical thinking, fact-checking, and media literacy.