Nigeria’s agriculture minister, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina has been elected president of the African Development Bank, according to reports from Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

His election came at the annual general meeting of the bank.

Adesina edged out seven other contenders for the top job.

His election will come as good news for outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan and his successor, Muhammadu Buhari, who had lobbied African leaders to support his candidacy.

Adesina will begin his 5-year tenure at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan in September. He will succeed Donald Kaberuka of Rwanda.