Senate on Tuesday approved the fresh $6 billion loan request forwarded to the lawmakers by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawmakers approved the fresh loan on the same date the request letter was read by Godswill Akpabio, senate president.
The Senate approved the loans following the presentation and consideration of the report by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
President Tinubu had written to the Senate seeking approval to borrow a total of $6 billion to finance key government projects and address budgetary gaps.
The requests were contained in two separate letters addressed to Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, and read during Tuesday’s plenary.
In the first letter, the President requested approval to obtain a $5 billion loan from Abu Dhabi Bank.
According to the President, the facility will be used to cover the nation’s budget deficit and support debt financing, among other fiscal obligations.
The request forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to stabilise public finances and sustain ongoing government programmes.
In a separate communication, Tinubu also sought approval to secure a $1 billion UK Export Finance loan facility from London Citi Bank.
The loan is intended for the rehabilitation of key port infrastructure, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
The President said the project aims to address critical infrastructure deficiencies in the country’s maritime sector
According to him, the rehabilitation will help improve efficiency, enhance safety standards, and support Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond oil.
He added that the initiative would also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade hub.
Both requests have now been considered and approved by the Upper Legislative Chamber.
