Former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has offered to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation, saying he is willing to serve the country in any capacity.
Adesina made the offer on Tuesday after meeting with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he presented a report on his 10-year tenure as AfDB president and highlighted the bank’s financial support to Nigeria.
He disclosed that the AfDB provided approximately $7 billion in financing to Nigeria between 2015 and 2025, representing about 63 per cent of the $11.1 billion the institution had committed to the country since it began operations in 1971.
According to him, the scale of financing Nigeria received during his tenure reflected the bank’s significant contribution to the country’s development.
Adesina also commended Tinubu for implementing key macroeconomic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the harmonisation of foreign exchange windows, describing them as difficult but necessary measures that were beginning to yield results.
He identified increased foreign exchange availability, renewed portfolio investment inflows, declining inflationary trends and improved assessments by international rating agencies as signs of progress in the economy.
However, the former AfDB chief stressed that Nigeria must move beyond economic reforms and stabilisation to focus on structural transformation, sustainable growth and improved prosperity for its citizens.
He said Tinubu recognised the importance of the next phase of economic management, adding that the administration’s priority should be to translate the gains from reforms into broader economic opportunities and development.
“I’m back at home, here to help and ready to help. It’s my country. I love my country, and I’m ready to help,” Adesina said.
Asked about the capacity in which he intended to assist the government, he said he was not seeking a political appointment or employment but was willing to contribute wherever the President considered his experience useful.
“I’m fully able to help Nigeria in any capacity. In any capacity that His Excellency feels I can help, I can help in anything. I’m not looking for a job. I’m not looking for anything. I’m just here to help,” he said.
Adesina added that he considered supporting Nigeria a duty and responsibility, expressing his readiness to contribute to the country’s development.
The visit followed the completion of his two five-year terms as AfDB president, during which he said the institution significantly expanded its financing support for Nigeria.
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