Nigeria, IsDB Deepen Economic Ties as Uzoka-Anite Leads Bilateral Talks in Washington

Nigeria, IsDB Deepen Economic Ties as Uzoka-Anite Leads Bilateral Talks in Washington

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria has strengthened its partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in a fresh move to accelerate economic growth and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

At a high-level bilateral meeting held yesterday on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C., the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, led the Nigerian delegation in strategic talks with the IsDB team, focusing on expanding cooperation in key development sectors.

The discussions explored new avenues of collaboration, particularly in Sukuk financing, Sharia-compliant financial instruments, and innovative development finance mechanisms aimed at stimulating growth in infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, education, and healthcare.

According to Uzoka-Anite, the meeting “underscores the strong bond between Nigeria and the Islamic Development Bank.” She added:
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to repositioning our economy and driving infrastructure development. We appreciate IsDB’s support and look forward to leveraging their expertise to accelerate our economic growth and development initiatives.”

The talks also examined prospects in special agro-industrial processing zones and halal economy development, sectors identified as pivotal to job creation, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.

The engagement builds on existing collaborations between Nigeria and the IsDB, which have already yielded progress in agriculture, energy, education, and health infrastructure.

Observers noted that the renewed dialogue signals Nigeria’s determination to deepen ties with multilateral development institutions, enhance fiscal innovation, and align external financing with domestic priorities.

As the global economic landscape evolves, analysts say such partnerships will remain critical to Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable development, industrial expansion, and improved livelihoods for its citizens.