The World Bank has appointed Dr Ndiamé Diop as the new Country Director for Nigeria, succeeding Shubham Chaudhuri.
Dr Diop, who officially took over the position on 8 July, brings extensive global experience to his new role, having previously served as the Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
In his former position, Dr Diop was instrumental in tripling the World Bank’s financing to the Philippines, supporting critical economic reforms, and bridging disparities in sectors such as healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. His successful track record in Malaysia included supervising a large knowledge programme aimed at elevating the country to high-income status, while in Thailand, he reinitiated World Bank investment lending after a two-decade hiatus.
Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Dr Diop said, “I am most excited to be leading the World Bank’s programme in Nigeria, especially at this critical time when Nigeria has a significant opportunity to make progress towards improving its economy and delivering development outcomes for its citizens.”
Dr Diop emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership with Nigeria at both federal and state levels. “Nigeria is a dynamic and vibrant country which is significant for the entire sub-region. The World Bank Group is most committed to working with the Government, development partners, and citizens to realise a thriving economy where jobs and economic prospects are created, and millions of Nigerians are lifted out of poverty,” he added.
In his new capacity, Dr Diop will lead the World Bank’s team in Nigeria, overseeing the delivery and implementation of both lending and non-lending support. His diverse experience includes leadership positions in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East, highlighting his expertise in fiscal policy, economic diversification, and development strategies.
The appointment of Dr Diop comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, as the country seeks to tackle economic challenges and achieve sustainable growth. The World Bank’s continued support, under Dr Diop’s leadership, aims to accelerate progress in critical areas and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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