Nigeria Rejects Fresh IMF Loans Amid Push for Economic Reforms

Nigeria Rejects Fresh IMF Loans Amid Push for Economic Reforms

Nigeria has ruled out any immediate plans to seek loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or other multilateral financial institutions, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

Edun made the position known on Thursday during the Finance Ministers’ press briefing at the ongoing IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., stressing that the country is not currently considering new external borrowing from the IMF.

“Nigeria has no plans at the moment to approach the IMF or any other institution to borrow funds,” he said.

He explained that the decision reflects both fiscal strategy and broader concerns about the cost of borrowing, particularly the high interest rates faced by African economies in global financial markets.

According to him, elevated debt servicing costs are placing significant pressure on government revenues, limiting the ability of many countries to invest in critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

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“At the elevated interest rates that African countries pay, the premium on commercial debt is out of reason and contributes to debt distress,” Edun said, noting that a large portion of national revenue in many developing economies is now directed toward debt repayment.

He added that reducing borrowing costs across Africa would require stronger economic reforms, improved debt-to-GDP ratios, and increased use of technology to enhance efficiency and revenue generation.

Edun also reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s call for a review of the high risk premiums charged on African borrowing, arguing that fairer global financing terms would improve development outcomes across the continent.

As part of broader regional financial planning, Nigeria is also pushing ahead with efforts to host the African Monetary Institute, a key step toward deeper monetary cooperation and financial integration in Africa ahead of its planned rollout in 2026.

On global financial support, the minister urged the IMF to accelerate the disbursement of proposed assistance packages, including a suggested $50 billion support programme for economies affected by global conflicts and economic shocks.

He noted that many vulnerable economies, particularly in Africa, stand to benefit from such funding but stressed the importance of timely and large-scale disbursement.

Edun also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing domestic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said previously consumed as much as 5 percent of GDP, as part of efforts to strengthen fiscal sustainability and reduce dependence on external borrowing.

He maintained that the government’s focus remains on stabilising the economy through reforms that improve revenue generation, reduce inefficiencies, and attract private sector investment rather than relying on new IMF facilities.

Nigeria Rejects Fresh IMF Loans Amid Push for Economic Reforms