Tinubu seeks National Assembly’s approval for $8.6bn, €100m loan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked for the senate’s approval to borrow $8,699,168,559 and €100 million. 

The Nigerian leader who noted that the loan will be used to execute critical projects in different sectors, also stated that the request was part of the federal government’s 2022-2024 external borrowing plan approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Tinubu’s letter to the senate read; 

“I write in respect of the above subject and to submit the attached the federal government 2022-2024 external borrowing plan for consideration and early approval of the National Assembly to ensure prompt implementation of the projects.

“The Senate may wish to note that the past administration approved a 2022-2024 borrowing plan by the federal executive council (FEC) held on May 15, 2023.

“The project cuts across all sectors, with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, water supply, roads, security, and employment generation as well as financial management reforms.

“Consequently, the required approval is in the sum of $8,699,168,559 and €100 million.

“I would like to underscore the fact that the projects and programmes in the borrowing plan were selected based on economic evaluations as well as the expected contribution to the social economic development of the country, including employment generation, and skills acquisition.

“Given the nature of these facilities, and the need to return the country to normalcy it has become necessary for the Senate to consider and approve the 2022- 2024 external abridged borrowing plan to enable the government deliver its responsibility to Nigerians.”