The World Bank has removed its most recent Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report from its online platform, a move that occurred merely days after its release, with no official explanation offered for the decision.
The report, bearing the title “Nigeria’s Tomorrow Must Start Today: The Case for Early Childhood Development,” was initially published on April 7. However, current attempts to access the document now result in a "page not found" error.
Despite the report's removal, the accompanying press statement detailing its key findings on Nigeria's economic trajectory and human capital development remains accessible.
According to the information previously outlined, Nigeria's economy saw a growth of 4 percent in 2025. Inflation also reportedly decreased to 15.1 percent in February 2026, a notable drop from 26.3 percent recorded the previous year, attributed to stricter monetary policies and an improved food supply chain.
The report further underscored the critical importance of investing in early childhood development, asserting that enhanced human capital is fundamental for transforming economic reforms into tangible improvements in living standards and job creation. It also brought attention to persistent challenges, noting that over 110 out of every 1,000 children in Nigeria do not survive past their fifth birthday, and a significant number fail to achieve essential developmental milestones.
The international financial institution also observed that Nigeria's economy has demonstrated resilience, bolstered by recent stabilization measures. Early indicators for 2026 suggest continued economic expansion across various sectors, despite some moderation linked to global uncertainties.
The Nigeria Development Update is a publication issued twice annually, offering an analysis of economic and social trends along with policy recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable growth. As of this report, the World Bank has not issued any official statement explaining the reasons behind the withdrawal of the April 2026 report.
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