The Federal Government has pledged to deepen its partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to accelerate transformative projects in Nigeria, particularly in infrastructure.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, welcomed the IsDB delegation, praising the institution as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s development 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,” Edun said.

He highlighted the impact of IsDB-funded interventions across sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and innovation, describing them as “lifelines for communities, engines of growth, and symbols of hope.” He also noted the alignment between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms and the Bank’s 2026–2035 Strategic Framework.

The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, represented by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq, underscored the administration’s focus on major road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited the Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry economic corridor as a top priority.

“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,” Goronyo said.

He confirmed that construction has already started on the Sokoto and Kebbi sections, with Hitech Construction completing clearance and 25 kilometres of work on the Kebbi axis. Other critical projects identified for financing include the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Nasarawa–FCT corridor, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway.

Responding, the IsDB Vice President for Operations, Rami Ahmad, reaffirmed the Bank’s readiness to support Nigeria’s infrastructure push.

“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.

Edun expressed gratitude for the Bank’s assurances and stressed Nigeria’s resolve to take full ownership of its 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 Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, also hailed the outcome of the talks.

“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 said.

The meeting comes shortly after the Federal Executive Council, on August 13, approved the long-awaited $125 million Islamic Development Bank financing facility for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, announced by the Abia State Government on August 17.