The Board of Directors and Staff of Afripol Organization (Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center) congratulate the Honorable Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga on his election as the new chairman of the Board of the Bretton-Woods Institutes, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is a testament of the emerging importance of Nigeria in the global financial market.

Olusegun Aganga was recently appointed by Nigeria’s Acting President Goodluck Jonathan as the minister of finance. And now with the subsequent election of Aganga as the chairman of Board of World Bank and IMF in his first outing after vigorous politicking for the position is something worth celebrating. A great credit must be given to our leader His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan on his rebranding of his country especially during his visit to Washington DC. During his interaction with leaders of businesses and global financial institutions he restored their confidence and trust on Africa‘s giant Nigeria.  His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan made a powerful and enduring impression to the world and reassured the world community during his interview on CNN that Nigeria is strong and Nigeria is in good hands. For this we are grateful to our leader.

Emeka Chiakwelu, Principal Policy Strategist at Afripol recently wrote: “The minister of finance must be ready and keen to make sure that Nigeria will not fall into the trap of large external debt and higher inflation. This is important because Nigeria should not be throw back to the gloomy days of large foreign debt. Nigeria was overwhelm with the increasing interest rates and arrears accumulated by the servicing of the foreign debt.” Now with the new position as the chairman at the both international institutions Olusegun Aganaga can clearly and forcefully monitor the financial wellbeing of our great country Nigeria. Aganga must try his possible best to minimise Nigeria’s foreign borrowing and to elevate prudent investment with the resources leverage from bonds transactions.

The growing Nigeria’s financial prowess has been buttressed with the presence of powerful positions already occupied by two distinguished Nigerians: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the current Managing Director of World Bank and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Vice-President of World Bank. The coming together of these respectful Nigerians can become a synergy of competence, commitment and vision to further the wellbeing of our country Nigeria. Together with the diligence and dedication of the Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, the new development can aid to realize his aspiration and vision for our great country Nigeria.

Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa.