Experts and analysts are sharply divided over President Tinubu’s request to the National Assembly for ₦2.84 billion in external borrowing and securities issuance as part of funding his developmental agenda. Some see it as necessary for bridging Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gaps, while others warn of deepening debt and fiscal risk.
Supporters argue that restrained, well-targeted borrowing can accelerate growth, create jobs, and modernize transport, health, and power sectors. They say that the government has adopted measures to ensure transparency, debt sustainability, and prioritization of high-impact projects.
Skeptics, however, warn that Nigeria’s rising debt servicing burden, currency fluctuations, and revenue volatility increase the stakes. Some economists say that unless revenue reforms coincide, borrowing will merely postpone reckoning.
Parliamentary committees are now reviewing the proposals, with public hearings planned to solicit stakeholder views. The debate is expected to dominate upcoming sessions in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
