The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Federal Government have opened discussions in Abuja on the country’s ongoing economic reforms, medium-term outlook and preparations for the 2026–2030 National Development Plan (NDP). In a landmark decision to fundamentally reshape the Federal Civil Service (FCS), the Federal Government approved the Rewards and Recognition Policy, Incentive and Consequence Management Policy, and Civil Service Mentoring Policy to boost productivity and enhance service delivery. The bilateral meeting at the weekend brought together the IMF delegation led by Mr Axel Schimmelpfennig, Assistant Director of the IMF’s African Department, and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu. The engagement formed part of the IMF’s consultative mission to review Nigeria’s fiscal priorities, macroeconomic framework, and reform direction ahead of its next country report. Responding, Bagudu said the government remained committed to aligning fiscal reforms with national planning to promote coherence, efficiency and inclusive growth. He expressed appreciation for the IMF’s constructive engagement and technical assistance over the past two and half years.
Guardian