President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.
Dr Tah, a former Mauritanian finance minister and director general of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), was elected during the AfDB Group’s annual meeting on Thursday, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
He secured the position ahead of four other candidates, following a transparent selection process conducted by the Bank’s Board of Governors, comprising Finance and Economy Ministers or Central Bank Governors from the Bank Group’s 81 member countries.
Tinubu applauded the transparent process that led to the former Mauritanian Finance Minister and Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) emerging as the Group’s President.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu commended the integrity of the electoral process and Dr Tah’s ability to lead the institution, noting his broad experience in finance and development.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s solid commitment to partnership with the AfDB, emphasising the country’s position as the Bank’s largest shareholder amongst its 81 regional and non-regional members, which include 54 African and 27 non-African nations.
He cited the recent $500 million capital replenishment of the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF), approved in May 2025, which extends the fund’s operations by 15 years,
“Established in 1976, the NTF is a special AfDB fund fully financed by Nigeria to support development projects across Africa.
“This renewed commitment underscores Nigeria’s continued dedication to the Bank’s mission of driving inclusive growth and poverty reduction on the continent.”
Tinubu also pledged full support for Dr Tah’s development agenda, particularly in areas such as energy access, infrastructure development and strengthening the regional financial sector.
He appreciated the outgoing AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
