The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legislators’ Forum has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his request for Senate approval of an additional $516,333,070 external loan to fund parts of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.
The lawmakers warned that the proposal reflects what they described as growing debt dependency and increased fiscal risks for the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the forum expressed concern over what it called “reckless borrowing” and lack of a clear repayment strategy.
The statement was signed by lawmakers including Uko Nkole, Nnenna Ukeje, Sergius Ogun, Zakari Mohammed and others representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“This request is not only alarming but emblematic of an administration that has made reckless borrowing its default economic policy,” the group said.
The legislators argued that Nigeria’s rising debt profile is becoming increasingly unsustainable, warning that debt servicing already consumes a significant portion of national revenue.
They cautioned that continued borrowing without strong revenue generation measures could deepen fiscal vulnerabilities and threaten long-term economic stability.
The forum also questioned the timing of the loan request, suggesting it could raise concerns about political motivations ahead of the next election cycle.
It urged the National Assembly not to approve loans without strict scrutiny.
“The National Assembly must not act as a rubber stamp… The Senate must demand full disclosure of financial details, procurement processes, cost-benefit analysis and a credible repayment plan,” the statement added.
The lawmakers further called on the government to prioritise industrial development, job creation and domestic revenue mobilisation instead of relying heavily on external borrowing.
The loan request was earlier submitted to the Senate by President Tinubu for the financing of sections of the 1,000-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
The request was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the request, the proposed funding—expected to be sourced from Deutsche Bank—would support construction along key sections of the highway linking Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States.
The Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway is one of the federal government’s flagship infrastructure projects, designed to improve connectivity across northern and southern Nigeria.
However, opposition lawmakers say the scale of borrowing required for such projects raises concerns about debt sustainability and long-term fiscal planning.
The Senate is expected to consider the loan request in the coming legislative sessions.
