Tinubu, Atiku, Adesina Congratulate Tah On His Election As AfDB President
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina have congratulated Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as AfDB President.
Dr. Tah, who was a former Minister of Finance of Mauritania clinched the top job on Thursday after a poll during the bank’s annual meeting in Côte d’Ivoire.
He replaced Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture who will step down in September after completing the maximum two five-year terms in office.
Congratulating him, President Tinubu said Dr. Tah would bring a wealth of experience to the role, given his track record in former positions.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong partnership with the AfDB, emphasising its status as the institution’s largest shareholder among its member countries, comprising 54 African nations and 27 non-African states.
The President restated his commitment to working closely with the incoming AfDB president to advance shared priorities, including infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, energy access, and climate resilience. Nigeria recently approved a $500 million capital replenishment for the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) in May 2025, extending the fund’s operations by another 15 years.
President Tinubu pledged Nigeria’s full support for Mr. Tah in implementing his vision for the institution, including strengthening regional financial institutions, promoting Africa’s economic independence, leveraging population growth for development, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
President Tinubu thanked the outgoing President, Dr Adesina, and wished him success in his future endeavours
Also congratulating him, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said his triumph, secured by an overwhelming majority, is a clear testament to the immense trust and confidence the Bank’s shareholders have placed in his leadership and vision for Africa’s future.
“It is deeply heartening that he steps into this esteemed role following the remarkable tenure of Nigeria’s own Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
“Under Dr. Adesina’s watch, the bank, not only stood firm but flourished, recording an impressive net profit of $351.7 million last year. His decade at the helm was nothing short of transformative. Nigeria, Africa, and indeed the global community stand proud of Dr. Adesina’s sterling service.
“The zeal and unwavering commitment with which he championed development across the continent have left a legacy written not just in numbers but in the uplifted lives of millions.
“Dr. Adesina did more than reform institutions, he humanized progress. Through bold initiatives and purposeful reforms, he brought hope to communities and gave wings to aspirations across the continent.
“I salute you, Dr. Adesina, for making Nigeria proud. May your next chapter be filled with even greater opportunities to inspire, serve, and leave lasting impact,” Atiku said.
On his part, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said “the beat goes on! I am delighted for my brother and friend Sidi Ould Tah on his election as President of the AfDB Group. Hearty congratulations! I wish you great success in the years ahead.”
