Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has affirmed that the Federal Government is working closely with the World Bank to advance a shared agenda focused on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, following the conclusion of the institution’s Development Committee Meeting, Mr. Edun noted that the Bank’s Governors, who are Finance Ministers of member countries, have collectively agreed to prioritise employment generation as a central pillar of development.
According to the Minister, this aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the core of economic revitalisation efforts. The agenda going forward centres on the critical role of multilateral financial institutions, particularly the World Bank, in shaping global development priorities. This includes scaling up efforts to create sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Edun emphasised that the Tinubu administration is committed to unlocking private capital to stimulate productivity, attract both local and foreign investment, and accelerate job creation across sectors.
A key component of this strategy, he said, is the rollout of digital infrastructure to support Nigeria’s growing youth population. “The idea is to empower our young people with access to the internet, data, and fibre-optic networks. This digital infrastructure will enable them to offer services online, retain talent within our borders, and actively contribute to the digital economy,” he explained.
The Minister also reiterated that job creation remains the most effective route to reducing poverty and inequality. “Creating good quality jobs is essential to addressing poverty. It is central to the President’s vision — stabilising the economy, encouraging private investment, and ensuring that our youth have opportunities at home, rather than seeking them abroad,” he added.
This collaboration between the Federal Government and the World Bank signals a unified commitment to tackling unemployment, fostering inclusive prosperity, and building a digital-ready workforce equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy.
