Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, will head the country’s delegation to the 2025 World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings scheduled to begin on Monday, October 13, in Washington, D.C.
This development follows the temporary unavailability of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who was initially slated to lead the team. Cardoso, as the alternate governor representing Nigeria at both Bretton Woods institutions, will now take the lead role.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the delegation will also include Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, among other senior government officials and economic advisers.
“Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and IMF Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., opening on Monday, October 13,” the statement confirmed.
Focus of the Global Gathering
The World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, global policymakers, and development experts to discuss issues shaping the global economy.
This year’s sessions will feature:
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Development Committee Plenary (October 16)
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International Monetary and Financial Committee Meetings (October 17)
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Regional briefings, economic forums, and press conferences focusing on international finance, debt management, and sustainable development.
The discussions are expected to address global inflation trends, exchange rate volatility, digital finance, and policies to support growth in emerging markets such as Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Strategic Representation
Cardoso’s leadership at the meetings comes at a time when Nigeria is pursuing structural economic reforms, tightening monetary policy to stabilize inflation, and seeking foreign investment to strengthen its fiscal position.
Observers say the delegation’s participation could provide Nigeria an opportunity to reinforce its partnership with international financial institutions and secure further support for economic diversification, infrastructure funding, and financial inclusion projects.
The World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings serve as one of the world’s most influential economic platforms — shaping policy directions that impact both developed and developing economies. Nigeria’s presence under Cardoso’s leadership highlights the country’s commitment to engaging constructively with global partners in its ongoing economic transformation.
