Ex-AfDB Chief Adesina Pledges Support for Nigeria's Economic Drive

Dr Akinwumi Adesina concluded his ten-year leadership of the African Development Bank and visited President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. At this meeting, he signalled his willingness to back Nigeria's economic objectives.

Following the private discussion, Adesina told State House correspondents that he stands ready to contribute to national development in whatever way the President deems beneficial, emphasising that he is not pursuing any formal government role. Throughout his decade steering the continental finance institution, the AfDB channelled considerable funding toward Nigerian initiatives under Adesina's watch.

Between 2015 and 2025, the bank mobilised approximately 7 billion dollars for Nigeria, equivalent to roughly 63 percent of the total 11.1 billion dollars allocated to the country since 1971 when operations commenced. President Tinubu's macroeconomic reform initiatives drew praise from the former bank chief.

Adesina noted enhanced conditions in the foreign exchange market and rising investor confidence in Nigerian opportunities. Yet he cautioned that economic stabilisation cannot remain limited to policy-level measures but must encompass sweeping structural overhaul delivering concrete improvements to Nigerians' living standards.

Adesina's decision to meet with the President reflected patriotic motivations rather than self-interest, he clarified. He underscored that consolidating the recent macroeconomic achievements demands faster structural transformation throughout the economy to reach lasting inclusive prosperity.

This perspective formed the crux of his conversation with the nation's leader during their engagement.