Breaking: Tinubu Seeks Senate Nod for $800m Loan Approved by Buhari’s Cabinet for Social Safety Net

*12m poor, low income households to get N8,000 monthly for 6 months 

*Digital transfers to be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts, mobile wallets 

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday urged the Senate to approve a borrowing request of $800 million.

The same request was earlier sent to the Upper Chamber by the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the 9th National Assembly but was not treated by the former Senate President Ahmad Lawan-led red chamber. 

Buhari had, at the twilight of his administration, forwarded the official communication to the 9th Senate in May. 

The 9th Assembly could not consider the request, which was approved by the Buhari-led Federal Executive Council before the tenure of the Assembly ended on June 11.

Tinubu, in a fresh letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary Thursday, asked the 10th Senate to approve the borrowing request. 

The president, in the letter, explained that the loan would be used to scale up the National Social Safety Net Programme.

He said the new borrowing would be sourced from the World Bank.

Tinubu’s letter read, “Please note that the federal executive council led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved an additional loan facility to the tune of $800 million to be secured from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme. Copy of FEC’s extract attached.

“You may also wish to note that the purpose of the facility is to expand coverage of shock responsive safety net support among the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. This will assist them in coping with basic needs.

“You may further wish to note that under the conditional cash transfer window of the programme, the federal government of Nigeria will transfer the sum of N8,000 per month to 12 million poor and low income households for a period of six months, with a multiplier effect on about 60 million individuals.

“In order to guarantee the credibility of the process, digital transfers will be made directly to beneficiaries’ accounts and mobile wallets.

“It is expected that the programme, will stimulate economic activities in the informal sector, and improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.

“Given the above, I wish to invite the Senate to kindly grant approval for the additional loan facility of $800 million to be secured from World Bank for the National Social Safety Net Programme. 

“While hoping that this submission will receive expeditious consideration by the Senate, please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”