 IMF boss Christine Lagarde
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IMF to Support Nigeria’s Banking Reform
Lawan Hamidu, Abuja
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, says it will partner with Nigeria in its transformation drive.
The Managing Director of the world body, Mrs Christine Lagarde told State House Correspondents shortly after a closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan that IMF would give Nigeria technical assistance especially on the banking transformation initiative.
While commending the economic transformation of Nigeria, Mrs Lagarde said the IMF as a partner would continue to support the country to achieve its transformation drive.
Long term partnership
Mrs Lagarde said, “The IMF is a partner; has been a partner of Nigeria for many years. We have also transformed our institution and we are here to listen, understand and support, if it’s needed. We provide technical assistance concerning the banks restructuring initiatives; we are very impressed with the realization.”
Mrs Lagarde was one of those that assisted Nigeria to get debt relief, when she was France’s Minister of Finance.
Maiden visit
The visit is her first to Africa, as Managing Director of IMF.
The Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the visit as fantastic, giving the role Mrs Lagarde played in securing thirty-billion-dollar debt relief from the Paris Club.
She expressed appreciation to the IMF for its pledge to support Nigeria in achieving its transformation drive.
Dr. Iweala said, “The IMF allows us to do our own policy and if we ask them to help with capacity building they can help and if we don’t they are just there to support us.”
Ekata/Ugo
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