Aisen made these remarks during an appearance as a guest on Arise News Television’s Global Business Report show on Tuesday.

He stated, “If inflation can get lower and the exchange rate is more predictable, then investments can actually start coming into Nigeria. There are very green shoots of possibilities for the country. The potential has been there and will continue to be there.”

The IMF representative also underscored the importance of the Federal Government implementing necessary policies to reduce the financing needs of the government.

Aisen explained, “It is very important that policies are put in place, particularly fiscal policy, to reduce the financing needs of the government. The removal of fuel subsidy was a very important step because fuel subsidy cost two per cent of the GDP last year and it was adding to the financing needs and the debt stock of the country.”

He cautioned against any policy reversal, highlighting that the ongoing transition would likely be more beneficial for the economy.

Aisen acknowledged that Nigeria is currently going through a transitional period, which may entail some challenges for the country. However, he stressed the importance of safeguarding the poor and vulnerable segments of the population from the impacts of these challenges.

He remarked, “There is no simple solution to these problems. We always know that there will be some transition that would incur some pain to all involved. It is very important that the burden doesn’t fall on the most vulnerable this time, and both government and private sector, particularly the elite, come in and together promote a solution that actually saves the pain from those most vulnerable in the society.”