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Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has returned to Nigeria after completing his tenure at the continental development finance institution, offering to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in strengthening the economy, attracting investments and advancing national development.

Adesina, who spent a decade leading the AfDB, brings extensive experience in development financing, agricultural transformation, infrastructure investment and economic policy, areas considered critical to Nigeria’s efforts to expand production, create jobs and improve living standards.

His offer to assist the Tinubu administration comes as Nigeria continues to pursue economic reforms aimed at stabilising public finances, encouraging private-sector investment and strengthening the country’s productive capacity.

During his tenure at the AfDB, Adesina championed initiatives designed to accelerate economic growth across Africa, with particular emphasis on food security, energy access, industrial development and infrastructure financing.

His leadership also focused on mobilising capital for development projects and encouraging African countries to reduce dependence on imported goods by investing in local production and value addition.

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For Nigeria, his experience could provide opportunities to strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions, attract development funding and support programmes designed to improve agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure.

Adesina previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he promoted agricultural reforms intended to improve access to farm inputs, expand food production and reposition agriculture as a viable business.

His return also comes at a time when the Federal Government faces pressure to translate ongoing economic adjustments into measurable improvements in household welfare, employment opportunities and business conditions.

The administration has pursued policies intended to attract investment, improve revenue generation and strengthen the economy’s resilience. However, rising living costs and concerns over purchasing power remain important challenges for millions of Nigerians.

Adesina’s experience in international development finance could prove valuable in identifying opportunities for public-private partnerships, mobilising long-term capital and supporting projects capable of generating sustainable economic returns.

His expertise in agriculture may also contribute to efforts to improve food production, strengthen supply chains and address persistent challenges affecting farmers, including access to financing, storage facilities, transportation and modern farming technology.

Beyond agriculture, Nigeria requires substantial investment in electricity, transport infrastructure and industrial capacity to support businesses and improve competitiveness.

Adesina’s willingness to offer assistance presents an opportunity for collaboration between experienced development professionals and government institutions pursuing economic transformation.

However, the impact of any proposed support would depend on the specific areas of engagement, the policies adopted by the government and the effective implementation of development programmes.

Adesina’s return therefore marks the availability of an experienced African development finance leader whose expertise could contribute to Nigeria’s economic ambitions as the country seeks stronger investment flows, expanded production and inclusive growth.

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.