World Bank Appoints New Country Director For Nigeria

The World Bank on Wednesday , appointed Mr Shubham Chaudhuri as the new Country Director for Nigeria.

Chaudhuri now replaced Mr Rachid Benmessaoud who completed his term recently.

According to a statement made available by the World Bank’s Senior Communications Officer, Nigeria, in Abuja, said Chaudhuri assumed office on Tuesday.

Chaudhuri, a U.S. national who grew up in India, joined the World Bank in 2004 and has held several leadership positions at the Bank, with his most recent position being Country Director for Afghanistan.

Chaudhuri was quoted saying it was an honour to be in Nigeria and have the opportunity to help government partners, at the Federal and state levels, realise Nigeria’s full and considerable potential.

This, he said, the bank was doing by transforming the economy, catalysing private investment and job creation, investing in Nigeria’s children and creating opportunities for Nigeria’s youth and women.

“The World Bank Group has a long-standing partnership with Nigeria and I look forward to deepening our engagement with government partners, with Nigeria’s very vibrant civil society and private sector and with international development partners to help lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.”

In his new position, Chaudhuri’s top priorities would be to lead the strategic dialogue with government, development partners and other key stakeholders.

He would also help to develop and implement the new Country Partnership Framework and provide customised solutions and policy advice to Nigeria