Tinubu writes Senate, seeks approval of Buhari’s request for $800m World Bank loan

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, wrote to the Senate seeking approval to access an additional $800 million from the World Bank for the National Social Safety Net programme.

Tinubu’s letter which was read on during plenary by Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, noted that the loan will be used to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

The President’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.

Read also: How far can this cushion hardship, Organised Labour slams Tinubu’s N500bn palliative plan

“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 Senate President, however, referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for consideration as the Senate has yet to constitute a committee on local and foreign debts.

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