Nigeria’s public debt is set to exceed N180 trillion, following President Bola Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly, seeking approval for additional external and domestic loans totalling N34.15 trillion
According to the letters, President Tinubu is seeking approval for a new external borrowing plan of over $21.5 billion, which translates to N33.39 trillion at the official exchange rate of N1,590 per dollar.
The President is also seeking approval of a domestic bond issuance of N757.9 billion to settle outstanding pension liabilities.
In the separate letters to the Senate and House of Representatives, read at yesterday’s plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu highlighted the strategic significance of the 2025–2026 borrowing plan, noting that it spanned key sectors of the economy.
Tinubu said: “The 2025–2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors, with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others.”
He explained that the total facility sought under the external borrowing plan includes USD 21,543,647,912; EUR 2,193,856,324.54; and 15 billion Japanese Yen, in addition to a grant of 65 million EUR.
Tinubu, who noted that the proposed borrowing is crucial, in light of removal of fuel subsidy and its economic implications, said: “In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and paucity of financial resources needed to address this gap, amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall.”
He assured lawmakers that the proposed funds will be channeled into critical infrastructure projects, especially in the areas of railways, healthcare, and nationwide development programmes across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
“This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as improve the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he emphasized.
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