The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank to accelerate the delivery of transformative projects across priority sectors, with a strong focus on infrastructure development.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, welcomed the IsDB delegation, describing the Bank as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s development journey since 2005.
“Your visit marks a significant moment in our shared journey of partnership, progress, and purpose. Despite fiscal constraints, Nigeria has continued to honour its obligations, and we deeply value the Bank’s flexibility in aligning with our realities,” he said.
Edun highlighted the success of IsDB interventions across sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation, describing them as “lifelines for communities, engines of growth, and symbols of hope.” He further stressed the alignment between Nigeria’s bold economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IsDB’s 2026–2035 Strategic Framework.
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, who was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq, emphasised the administration’s prioritisation of road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He pointed to the Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry economic corridor as a key project of strategic importance.
“This corridor is a vital economic artery that will boost trade, create jobs, and lift communities out of poverty. President Tinubu’s commitment to this project reflects his determination to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he stated.
Goronyo confirmed that construction works have commenced on the Sokoto and Kebbi sections, with Hitech Construction achieving clearance and 25 kilometres of work on the Kebbi axis.
He also cited the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Nasarawa–FCT corridor, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway as critical projects requiring additional financing to ensure timely delivery.
Responding to the issues raised, the Operations Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Rami
Ahmad reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure agenda.
“Infrastructure is a core pillar of our strategy, and we work from each country’s own priorities. For the road projects raised today, we will not allow delays to persist; where they can be re-scoped, we will act; where not, we will close them and move forward with new initiatives. The Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry corridor and other key projects align with our mandate, and through the Country Engagement Framework, we are ready to accelerate their delivery,” he assured.
In closing, the Honourable Minister of Finance expressed gratitude to the IsDB team for their assurances and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to taking ownership of its development priorities.
“It is our bank, our sovereignty, our projects, our priorities. Today, my colleagues from Education, Environment, Transportation, Works, Water Resources and Sanitation, and my team from the Ministry of Finance, have given a comprehensive insight into our key priorities and legacy projects. The time has come to move beyond frameworks and concept notes to implementation, beginning with the signing of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project,” he affirmed.
The Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, also commended the outcome of the meeting.
“This dialogue has enhanced the strength of our partnership and the vast potential that lies ahead. From infrastructure and human capital to Islamic finance and the Nigerian economy, the opportunities for collaboration are both strategic and urgent. As custodians of Nigeria’s public finance, we are committed to deploying every naira transparently, efficiently, and in line with our national priorities,” she stated.
The meeting marks another step in Nigeria’s efforts to unlock transformative infrastructure projects with global partners, leveraging international support to advance the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Recall that on August 17, Punch reports that the Abia State Government announced that the long-awaited $125 million Islamic Development Bank financing facility for the state’s Integrated Infrastructure Development Project has been approved by the Federal Executive Council at its meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
