The Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan, received the African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka, on Tuesday, 23 November 2010 in Abuja, The meeting was attended by the country's Vice President, Mr. Namadi Sambo.

The Nigeria Head of State commended Mr. Kaberuka for his brilliant re-election for a second five-year term at the head of the AfDB. He also congratulated him for the AfDB Group's profound achievements during his first term. "I encourage you to continue along the same path. Nigeria will be at your side and will provide you with all the support necessary for the success of your mission in leading our important institution, "said President Jonathan. He also added that "Nigeria has high expectations from the Bank, particularly in strategic sectors like infrastructure and energy". Mr. Jonathan also expressed the wish to see the AfDB working alongside the Bank of Nigeria for the realization of its 2020 Vision aimed at ensuring the diversification of the Nigerian economy.

For his part, Mr. Kaberuka thanked President Jonathan and the Nigerian government for the hospitality accorded to him and members of his delegation as well as the country's special support to the AfDB. He further stressed Nigeria's role in the West African sub-region. "We came to listen, to see and to talk with the authorities, executives and Nigerian business people in order to better understand the country and to learn more about their specific needs," said the Bank Group President.

The meeting with President Jonathan was followed by a workshop chaired by Vice-President Sambo, and attended by ministers, governors, parliamentarians and general managers of state companies.

Contacts

Magatte Wade