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IMF Ms. Christine Lagarde Arrives Nigeria on Working Visit

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The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Christine Lagarde, arrived Nigeria on Monday to begin a four-day visit during which she will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

During the visit, which is the first by the IMF managing director to any country this year, Lagarde will also hold discussions with the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, both of who were at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to receive her.

While in Abuja, Lagarde is also expected to meet with principal officers of the National Assembly, business leaders, prominent women, and representatives of civil society.

A statement issued by the IMF said the visit to Nigeria would provide an opportunity to strengthen the Fund’s partnership with the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.

The statement quoted Ms. Lagarde as saying she looked forward to productive meetings with President Buhari and his colleagues as they address important economic challenges, most importantly the impact of low oil prices.

She added: “Nigeria is working hard to improve its business environment, promote opportunities for growth in the private sector, and strengthen social cohesion, all areas where the government has an important role to play.”

The IMF boss is expected to visit Cameroon after her visit to Nigeria. In Cameroon, Lagarde will meet President Paul Biya and his economic team, as well as private sector executives, women leaders, and other members of Cameroonian society. She will also meet with Finance Ministers from the six member countries of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), delivering a speech to the group on January 8.

The statement added: “As the largest and most diversified economy in CEMAC, Cameroon is well placed to sustain, and reinforce, the momentum of integration,” Ms. Lagarde said. “The country and the entire CEMAC region are confronted with the twin shocks of the oil-price slump and a surge in disruptions related to security. Reinforcing regional integration and implementing ambitious reform agendas in CEMAC countries will be key to secure macroeconomic stability and restore strong and inclusive growth in the region.”

The IMF had forecast a four per cent growth rate for Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, as the country continues to contend with the challenge of declining income from the drop in crude oil prices. The growth forecast by the fund was 2.25 percentage points lower than its last year’s projection for Nigeria.

The multilateral donor agency had stated this in its World Economic Outlook (WEO) titled, “Adjusting to Lower Commodity Prices,” last year. In the 2015 budget, the federal government had initially forecast a real GDP growth rate of 6.4 per cent in 2015 but was forced to slash it to 5.5 per cent owing to declining oil prices. Oil accounts for the bulk of government revenue in Nigeria, but global crude prices have more than halved over the past one year.

The IMF had stated that it anticipated growth in sub-Saharan Africa to also slow this year to 3.8 per cent, from five per cent in 2014. Similarly, it forecast that growth in low-income developing countries would also fall to 4.8 per cent this year, more than one percentage point weaker than in 2014, before picking up to 5.8 per cent in 2016.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Lagos Eyes Investment Surge as Sanwo-Olu Unveils Growth Strategy

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is spearheading a bold push to attract significant investment inflow to boost the state’s economic growth.

During a Pre-Summit Investor Roundtable at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 3.0), held at Eko Hotels and Suites, the governor outlined strategic opportunities for investors.

With the theme “Invest Lagos – Investment Opportunities,” the summit was organized by the Sterling One Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment.

Attended by business leaders, chambers of commerce, and industry captains, the event underscored Lagos’ potential as a hub for economic activity.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ positive economic outlook, citing an expanding population and sustainable infrastructure as key growth drivers.

Despite challenging business environments, the state’s economy has shown resilience, welcoming new investments while sustaining existing ones.

The governor emphasized reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business. He mentioned that digitizing services had reduced bureaucratic hurdles, fostering a stable business climate.

Sanwo-Olu assured potential investors of the state’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that ensures returns and security for investments.

“In the last five years, Lagos’ GDP has grown by 50 percent,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “We aim to sustain this growth and ensure the gains of the past years are not reversed.”

Sanwo-Olu identified sectors ripe for investment, including transportation, tourism, health insurance, and waterways. He expressed the government’s dedication to advancing development plans in these areas.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, highlighted Lagos’ economic strides, noting that the state’s GDP had increased from N27 trillion to N41 trillion in five years.

She detailed strategic investments, particularly the allocation of N550.7 billion for infrastructure in 2024, and the commitment of N44.33 billion to food security initiatives.

Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, pointed out that economic growth in Africa is often hindered by an unstable investment climate.

The summit aimed to build investor confidence by fostering trust and transparency in business environments.

“Lagos remains a leading destination for investors,” Suleiman noted. “The state provides clarity and access to markets, maintaining consistency in its investment strategies.”

Sanwo-Olu’s administration continues to focus on diversifying Lagos’ economy through strategic investments in various sectors.

The state’s proactive approach has positioned it as a global city and an emerging African financial center.

The governor’s initiative is expected to further solidify Lagos’ reputation as a prime investment destination, paving the way for sustained economic growth and development.

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Vice-President Harris Gathers Momentum as Democratic Nominee

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Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support needed to become the Democratic nominee for president.

This was after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Harris as his successor.

According to CBS News, Harris has received endorsements from over 1,976 delegates, surpassing the threshold needed to clinch the nomination in the first round of voting at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) scheduled for August.

Delegations from at least 27 states have expressed full support, showcasing a strong backing across the nation.

In her address to campaign staff in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris expressed gratitude for the widespread support, adding that she committed to uniting the party and the country.

“We have 106 days until Election Day, and in that time, we have some hard work to do,” she stated.

Harris laid out her vision for America, contrasting it with that of her likely opponent, Donald Trump.

Speaking on the direction of the campaign thus far, she said “Our campaign has always been about two different versions of what we see as the future of our country. One focuses on the future, the other focuses on the past.”

She acknowledged the accomplishments of the Biden administration, highlighting her pride in serving as vice-president.

“My time serving as vice-president was one of the greatest honors of my life,” Harris said, underscoring her dedication to continuing the work they started.

In a phone call to his campaign team, Biden praised Harris, urging his supporters to rally behind her. “I’m hoping you’ll give every bit of your heart and soul that you gave to me to Kamala,” he said.

Despite stepping back from the race, Biden vowed to remain actively involved in supporting Harris and emphasized the importance of defeating Trump, calling him “a danger to this nation.”

Harris’s nomination marks a significant milestone, but challenges remain. The campaign will focus on addressing key issues such as healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality.

With millions of dollars pouring into her campaign since Biden’s announcement, Harris aims to capitalize on the momentum and build a coalition that appeals to a broad spectrum of voters.

As the DNC approaches, Harris is expected to formally accept the nomination, solidifying her position as the Democratic leader.

The coming months will be crucial as she works to unite the party and reach out to undecided voters. With her historic nomination, Harris stands poised to make a lasting impact on the future of American politics.

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President Declines Nomination, Endorses Harris for 2024

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In a significant political announcement on his X.com account, President Joe Biden has decided to forgo the opportunity to seek re-election in 2024, instead throwing his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

The surprise move, shared with the public this morning, represents a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party’s journey toward the upcoming presidential election.

In his statement, Biden said that his choice to step aside is driven by a desire to concentrate on his remaining duties as President.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside Harris, calling her selection as his Vice President in 2020 “the best decision” he has made. “My fellow Democrats,” Biden began, “I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

The President’s announcement signifies a strategic shift in the 2024 election landscape. By endorsing Kamala Harris, Biden not only aims to consolidate support within the party but also to set the stage for a unified front against former President Donald Trump.

“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year,” Biden declared. “Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

This endorsement comes as a surprise to many, given Biden’s earlier commitment to seeking re-election.

However, it reflects a broader strategic maneuver to ensure party unity and strengthen the Democratic position in the face of a formidable opponent. By focusing on Harris, Biden aims to leverage her growing popularity and political acumen to fortify the party’s chances in the upcoming election.

Kamala Harris, who has served as Vice President since January 2021, will now be thrust into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Her campaign is expected to build on the legacy of the current administration while addressing key issues facing the nation.

The move also raises the stakes for the Republicans, who will need to prepare for a robust campaign from a seasoned political leader in Harris.

As the 2024 election cycle ramps up, Biden’s endorsement is likely to reshape the dynamics of the race, influencing both Democratic strategies and Republican responses.

The coming months will be critical as Harris and her team work to solidify their platform and rally support from voters across the nation.

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