Edun Praises IsDB as Nigeria’s Rock in Development Journey
By: Oluwaseun Lawal
Nigeria’s finance minister, Wale Edun, didn’t hold back. He called the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) a “steadfast ally” in Nigeria’s development story. Since 2005, the Bank has been more than just a financier—it’s been a partner, a friend, a lifeline. And now, as Nigeria pushes hard on infrastructure and other key sectors, that partnership is only getting stronger.
The scene was set on Tuesday, when Edun welcomed the IsDB delegation with open arms. “Your visit marks a significant moment in our shared journey of partnership, progress, and purpose,” he said. Despite tight budgets and fiscal challenges, Nigeria has kept its promises. And the Bank? It’s been flexible, understanding the country’s realities. That kind of support? Priceless.
Edun didn’t just talk numbers. He painted a picture. Education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, innovation—IsDB’s projects are more than just investments. They’re engines of growth, symbols of hope for communities across Nigeria. And with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms lining up perfectly with IsDB’s 2026–2035 Strategic Framework, the future looks promising.
On the infrastructure front, the Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo. He highlighted the government’s focus on road projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda. One project stood out—the Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry economic corridor. It’s not just a road. It’s a lifeline for trade, jobs, and lifting communities out of poverty. “President Tinubu is serious about this,” Goronyo said. “This corridor will drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.”
And the work has already started. On the Sokoto and Kebbi sections, Hitech Construction has cleared the way and laid 25 kilometers of road on the Kebbi side. But there’s more to do. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Nasarawa–FCT corridor, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway also need funding to keep things moving.
Rami Ahmad, the Operations Vice President of IsDB, responded with a firm promise. Infrastructure is at the heart of their strategy. “We work from each country’s priorities,” he said. No more delays. If projects can be re-scoped, they will. If not, they’ll close them and move on to new initiatives. The Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry corridor? It’s right in their sights. Through the Country Engagement Framework, IsDB is ready to speed things up.
Edun wrapped up the meeting with gratitude and a call to action. “It’s our bank, our sovereignty, our projects, our priorities,” he said. The time for talk is over. It’s time for action. The signing of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project is just the beginning.
Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, echoed the optimism. This partnership isn’t just about money. It’s about trust, transparency, and strategic collaboration. From infrastructure to human capital, Islamic finance to the broader Nigerian economy, the opportunities are huge—and urgent.
This meeting wasn’t just another tick on the calendar. It’s a step forward in Nigeria’s quest to unlock transformative infrastructure projects with global partners. The goal? To power the Renewed Hope Agenda and build a future Nigerians can believe in.
And here’s a quick reminder: On August 13, 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved a $125 million IsDB financing facility for Abia State’s Integrated Infrastructure Development Project. That’s real money, real projects, and real progress. The journey continues.
