By Jose Oby 
The Nigerian Presidency recently asserted that the nation ranks as the fourth fastest-growing economy globally, following Saudi Arabia, China, and India, based on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook. However, an analysis by SaharaReporters reveals that this claim does not align with the IMF’s actual data.
According to the IMF’s April 2025 report, Nigeria’s projected real GDP growth stands at 3%, placing it 37th worldwide, not fourth as claimed. Several countries, including Senegal (8.4%), Côte d’Ivoire (6.3%), Ethiopia (6.6%), and Tanzania (6.0%), have higher growth projections. In Africa alone, at least 16 countries surpass Nigeria in projected growth rates.
The claim was disseminated by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, and further amplified by presidential aide Dada Olusegun. Both referenced the IMF’s projections, yet the data they cited does not support their statements.
This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of information shared by the Presidency and underscores the importance of verifying official claims against reputable sources