President Buhari Writes Senate, Seeks Fresh $800m Loan

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday asked the Senate to approve a new borrowing request of $800 million.

Buhari made the request in a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan at Tuesday’s plenary.

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.

“Please note that the federal executive council 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 and the need to request your consideration and approval to ensure early implementation. Copy of FEC extract attached,” the letter read.

“The senate may wish to know that the programme is intended 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 wish to note that the federal government of Nigeria, under the conditional cash transfer, will transfer the sum of N5,000 per month to 10.2 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.

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“The NASSP being a social intervention programme, will stimulate the informal sector, improve nutrition, health, education, and human capital development of beneficiaries’ households.”

Last week, the senate approved N22.7 trillion CBN’s ways and means spending.