…Ready to invest additional $8bn
Though it was pump and pageantry at the unveiling of the newly constructed Country Office building of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abuja on Thursday, the President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, revealed that the continental agency is currently implementing about 73 projects valued at about $6bn across the country.
According to him, Nigeria, the largest shareholder of the bank will in the next five years receive additional $8bn development schemes as part of drive to grow the largest economy in Africa.
Dr. Adesina added further that “The AfDB strongly supports Nigerian and always will. You can tell by the level of our investments in Nigeria to the tune of $6 billion.
“From our perspective, our investments can only increase as we expect the levels to reach $8 billion by 2019.
“Permit me Mr, President to state that our marriage is stable and dependable. The AfDB was there for Nigeria when the country faced economic downturn from the recession.
“I said at the time that Nigeria was too big to fail. The AfDB is not a fair-weather partner. We were there when it mattered most- for a partner in time of need is a great partner indeed. The AfDB approved and disbursed Budget Support of $600 million to Nigeria, as it faced its worst recession in decades. Our support goes beyond money. It demonstrates our strong commitment to stabilize Africa’s largest economy.
“The crucial and timely intervention of the AfDB was what helped Nigeria to come out of the recession. The AfDB will not relent in supporting Nigeria in critical areas to boost growth, diversify the economy and create jobs.
“These include: support for youths in agriculture, SMEs, and the financial sector. We will accelerate support for infrastructure and the energy sector.
“Our investments are structures around high five priorities. Light and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa and improve the quality of lives of the people of Africa.”
Responding, Nigerian government officials who were at the event called on the bank to grow Nigeria into a hub for its activities considering the size of the economy and mega contributions of Nigeria to AfDB.
