The immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has revealed that Nigeria secured a total of $7bn in grants between 2015 and 2025 during his tenure leading the institution.

Adesina disclosed this while fielding questions from State House journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. He added that the amount represents about 63% of the total grants allocated to the country by the bank since it began operating in Nigeria in 1971.

The former AfDB president stated that he visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to brief the president on his achievements after successfully completing his two terms as head of the bank. He described the visit as customary for reporting back home.

“It is also to give him a report of what was achieved during my term; I took the opportunity to brief His Excellency the President on that. Mr President was very pleased with what was done and what was accomplished,” Adesina said. He noted that total bank financing to Nigeria since 1971 has reached $11.1bn, meaning the 10 years under his watch accounted for the vast majority of cumulative support.

Commendation for economic reforms

Adesina also commended the president on his administration’s economic reforms, including macroeconomic measures involving fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of exchange rate windows.

“These are very important, difficult reforms, but they are beginning to bear some fruit, quite some fruit,” Adesina said. He pointed to increased foreign exchange availability, incoming portfolio investors, a downward trend in inflation, and improved outlooks from global rating agencies as key indicators of progress.

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Adesina acknowledged that prices remain somewhat high, but stressed that the focus must now shift from stabilisation to structural transformation, growth, and prosperity.

Ready to support national development

Reflecting on his national duty, Adesina—who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan—expressed his readiness to assist the country in any capacity.

“I told the President, I am back at home, here to help and ready to help. It is my country. I love my country, and I’m ready to help,” Adesina stated. He emphasised that he is not seeking any job or position, but simply wants to fulfil his obligation and responsibility to the nation.