Nigeria Urges Pan-African Unity as Finance Minister Edun Meets AfDB President-Elect Sidi Ould Tah.
By Raymond Enoch
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The announcement was made during a courtesy meeting between Minister Edun and Dr. Ould Tah on the sidelines of the AfDB’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan.
Minister Edun conveyed the warm regards of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, emphasizing the nation’s pivotal role in fostering a unified African consensus during the electoral process. Dr. Ould Tah’s decisive victory, securing 76.18% of the total vote and 72.37% of regional votes, reflects a strong continent-wide endorsement of his leadership .
Highlighting Dr. Ould Tah’s extensive experience, Minister Edun commended his tenure as the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he served from 2015 until his election to the AfDB presidency. This background positions Dr. Ould Tah to continue and build upon the AfDB’s legacy of promoting inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Minister Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the AfDB under Dr. Ould Tah’s leadership. He expressed confidence that the incoming president’s focus on continuity and results will further advance the shared goal of sustainable development and prosperity for all Africans.
As Dr. Ould Tah prepares to assume office on September 1, 2025, this diplomatic engagement underscores Nigeria’s steadfast support for the AfDB and its dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 objectives.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning continues to play a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s position within regional and continental financial institutions, ensuring that the nation’s interests are well-represented in shaping Africa’s economic future.
