Lagarde praises Nigeria's economic efforts

Ms Lagarde praised Mr Jonathan's efforts to create jobs

IMF head Christine Lagarde, who is visiting Africa, has praised Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's efforts to transform his country's economy.

Ms Largarde held talks with the president after meeting the country's finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, earlier on Monday.

She is expected to focus on the fallout from the eurozone debt crisis and youth unemployment during her visit.

Ms Largarde is visiting Africa for the first time as head of the IMF.

On Tuesday, she is expected to attend a forum in Lagos on Africa's economic future before travelling to neighbouring Niger.

Corruption

"My mission is to come and listen and appreciate and understand exactly what economy programme will be implemented in Nigeria, and the initiative and leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan," Ms Lagarde said.

"I was extremely impressed with... the energy and pace at which he wants to transform the economy, create jobs and focus on agriculture."

Last month, Mr Jonathan sacked the head of the country's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Farida Waziri's removal was to "revitalise the fight against corruption", his spokesman said.

Nigeria has been plagued by allegations that its wealth has been used for corrupt purposes since the oil boom of the 1970s.