Former AfDB President Says He Is Ready to Serve Nigeria, Calls for Shift From Economic Stabilization to Structural Transformation

Former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has offered to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth, declaring his readiness to contribute his experience to the country’s development in any capacity deemed appropriate by the President.

Adesina made the offer on Tuesday, October 27, after meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said his willingness to serve was motivated by his commitment to Nigeria rather than a desire to secure a government appointment.

“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,” he said.

The former AfDB chief added that he was prepared to assist wherever his expertise could be useful, stressing that he considered contributing to Nigeria’s development a national responsibility.

Adesina Calls for Economic Transformation

During the meeting, Adesina commended Tinubu’s administration for implementing major economic reforms, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy and the harmonization of foreign exchange windows.

He described the measures as difficult but said they were beginning to produce positive results, citing improved foreign exchange availability, renewed portfolio investment interest and a downward trend in inflation.

However, Adesina acknowledged that prices remained high, highlighting the gap between improvements in some economic indicators and the financial pressures still facing households and businesses.

He argued that Nigeria must now move beyond economic stabilization and pursue structural transformation capable of generating sustainable growth, prosperity and broader development.

According to him, the next phase of the country’s economic agenda should focus on converting the gains from reforms into tangible improvements in productivity, investment and living standards.

AfDB Provided $7 Billion to Nigeria Between 2015 and 2025

Adesina also briefed Tinubu on his decade-long leadership of the African Development Bank, which ended after two five-year terms.

He disclosed that the institution provided approximately $7 billion in financing to Nigeria between 2015 and 2025.

According to Adesina, the amount represented about 63 per cent of the bank’s cumulative $11.1 billion financing to Nigeria since it began operating in the country in 1971.

He said the meeting offered an opportunity to present an account of his tenure and discuss the bank’s contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The financing formed part of the AfDB’s broader development support to the country during his leadership.

What Adesina’s Offer Could Mean for Nigeria

Adesina’s offer comes as Nigeria continues to navigate the effects of economic reforms and the challenge of translating macroeconomic adjustments into stronger economic opportunities for citizens.

His experience in agricultural development, development finance and international economic cooperation could be relevant to efforts aimed at strengthening food security, attracting investment, expanding productive capacity and creating jobs.

Nevertheless, his willingness to assist does not amount to an official appointment. No specific government position or formal advisory role was announced following the meeting.

The practical impact of his offer will therefore depend on whether the government establishes a defined role for his contribution and how any resulting recommendations or initiatives are implemented.

The Road Ahead

Adesina’s remarks reinforce the distinction between stabilizing an economy and achieving sustained economic development.

While improvements in foreign exchange availability, investor sentiment and inflation trends can support economic recovery, long-term progress also depends on productivity, reliable infrastructure, access to finance, job creation and the purchasing power of households.

For Nigerians, the central question remains whether economic reforms will translate into more affordable living conditions, stronger businesses and wider employment opportunities.

Adesina has expressed his readiness to contribute his expertise. The next stage will be determining how that experience can support practical, measurable development outcomes.

Source: LEADERSHIP Newspaper, with related reporting from Premium Times and the Voice of Nigeria.

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