Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not reverse the administration’s economic reforms despite current hardships, assuring that Nigerians will eventually reap the benefits.

Ibrahim made the remarks while speaking at a parliamentary session on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, DC. He stressed that although the reforms are painful in the short term, they are necessary for long-term growth and national prosperity.

He also linked global economic stability to geopolitical developments, particularly tensions involving Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to him, “No country can achieve significant economic development this year or thereafter until we jointly secure peace in the ongoing tensions involving Iran, especially as it concerns international passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The envoy warned that any disruption in the region could have far-reaching implications for the global economy, noting that over 25 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil — estimated at more than 20 million barrels per day — and about 20 per cent of liquefied natural gas pass through the corridor.

He added that major economies, including China, India, Japan and South Korea, would be severely affected by any escalation due to oil price volatility, which could complicate economic planning and worsen development challenges globally.

On the domestic front, Ibrahim reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining economic reforms, emphasising the need for legislative backing to cushion the impact on citizens.

He said legislative action and planning must reflect present realities, urging closer collaboration between the executive and the legislature in addressing economic challenges.

Ibrahim further advised global lawmakers to adopt cooperative frameworks similar to Nigeria’s parliamentary model under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that such synergy is crucial in tackling poverty and economic hardship.

“President Bola Tinubu introduced reforms that will make Nigeria great. These policies may come with short-term pains, but they are indispensable for growth and economic development,” he said.

He added, “The law must reflect the situation, while action and strategy must come from proper situational diagnosis. Parliament is not an exception to modern global realities.”

The ambassador also called for stronger international cooperation among parliamentarians, stressing that global peace remains essential for sustainable development and effective economic planning.

At the close of the session, Ibrahim bade farewell to his colleagues at the parliamentary forum, expressing appreciation for the relationships and networks built over the years.

He disclosed that he would be stepping down from parliamentary duties following his appointment by President Tinubu as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations, marking a transition into a new phase of global diplomatic service