President Bola Tinubu’s request for a $800 million World bank loan has been granted by the Senate.
On Thursday, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved to take this important action.
President Tinubu specified the loan’s purpose in his loan request, which was earlier discussed with the Senate.
The funds will be used to expand the country’s social safety net program and to soften the financial impact caused by the recent removal of the petrol subsidy.
According to Tinubu, the government intends to give N8,000 per month to 12 million low-income or poor households. This financial assistance is expected to last for a period of six months.
The letter earlier forwarded to the senate reads, “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. A copy of FEC’s extract is 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.”
The new borrowing will be sourced from the World Bank.
Ada Peter
