President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s borrowing plans amid growing debate over Nigeria’s debt and the country’s economic direction.
In an essay titled From Reforms to Delivery: Our Infrastructure Investment and Growth Strategy, the president argued that the most important question should not simply be how much Nigeria borrows, but what the country achieves with the money.
Tinubu pointed to major infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, electricity grid upgrades and the modernisation of commercial ports as investments expected to strengthen the economy.
His position is that borrowing should be judged by the value it creates, the jobs it supports and the infrastructure it delivers.
However, the argument is unlikely to end the debate. Many Nigerians remain concerned about the country’s debt obligations, the cost of living and whether large infrastructure projects will translate into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
The president’s defence comes as his administration seeks legislative approval for additional borrowing.
Ultimately, Nigerians will want to see more than impressive project announcements. They will be looking for completed roads, reliable electricity, better jobs and measurable improvements in living conditions.
