Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina as he concludes his second and final term as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Buhari praised Adesina’s “spectacular performance” at the helm of the pan-African financial institution, describing his leadership as transformative and his legacy as unmatched in the bank’s history.
“I have seen Dr. Adesina, a son of Nigeria, put up a spectacular performance in the African Development Bank after two terms,” Buhari stated. “As his tenure ends and a successor emerges, records show that he has set such a great, unmatched record of excellence, leaving shareholders far happier than they have ever been.”
Buhari also expressed pride in the role he played in supporting Adesina’s emergence as AfDB President in both his first term in 2015 and his re-election in 2020.
Reflecting on Adesina’s journey, the former president highlighted the values that shaped his rise — hard work, discipline, and dedication — noting that the outgoing AfDB chief remains “a beacon of inspiration to others” across the continent.
He concluded by wishing Dr. Adesina continued success and strength in his future endeavours.
Adesina, an agricultural economist and former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, will officially step down from his role as AfDB President in August 2025 after a decade of service that has seen the bank expand its development footprint across Africa.