Due to the economic consequences of coronavirus on countries all over the world, China and G-20 countries have decided to grant debt relief to poor countries including Nigeria.

The decision to give debt relief to countries under the International Development Association was reached at the ongoing April 2020 virtual Spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

World Bank president, David Malpass said “IDA countries will have bilateral debt relief beginning May 1. That way, they can concentrate their resources on fighting the pandemic and its economic and social consequences.

“I take note that in the G-20 meetings, China is supporting the international agreement to allowing moratorium of debt repayments by IDA countries if they ask for forbearance.

“That’s very important because China is one of the biggest creditors and their participation in that effort is important and was very welcome.”

Countries under the International Development Association (IDA) are those with per capita income below an established threshold of $1,175.

Malpass said the debt relief will help IDA countries to use their money for education, economic rebuilding and jobs .

“So if the government saves money by not paying creditors, there is an expectation that they use it for health, education, economic rebuilding, jobs and concrete ways to help the people of their country.

“There is also within the debt relief initiative, the idea that there will be monitoring and assessment of the debt sustainability of poor countries.

“That process itself will amount to transparency. That’s going to change the way that countries have been lending into the developing world and it will improve it substantially and there will be a big benefit even to the creditors.