The directive was given in a move to contain growing public outrage over rising cases of custodial torture and mysterious deaths of citizens while in police custody.
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The directive was given in a move to contain growing public outrage over rising cases of custodial torture and mysterious deaths of citizens while in police custody.
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Tinubu Seeks House’ Approval of $2.34bn External Borrowing
President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking the approval of plans by the Federal Government to raise 2.34 billion dollar in external capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fund is aimed at financing part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinancing maturing Eurobonds.
The Speaker, Rep. Abba Tajudeen, read the president’s request on the floor of the house on Tuesday.
Tajudeen said that the president also sought parliamentary approval for the issuance of a 500 million dollar debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market.
He said that the request was made in accordance with the provisions of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Establishment Act 2003.
According to the president, the total external capital to be raised amounts to 2.347 billion dollar, comprising 1.229 billion dollar in new external borrowing provided for in the 2025 Appropriation Act and 1.118 billion dollar.
He further stated that the money was to refinance maturing Eurobonds due in November.
Tinubu said that the borrowing would be sourced through a mix of Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, bridge financing and direct borrowing from international financial institutions, depending on market conditions.
He said that the new financing was part of the government’s strategy to support infrastructure development, refinance costly debt obligations and sustain investor confidence in Nigeria’s credit market.
The president sought for the legislature’s authorisation for the issuance of a stand-alone 500 million dollar sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market — the first of its kind for Nigeria.
He said that the Sukuk would diversify Nigeria’s funding sources, attract ethical investors and complement domestic Sukuk issuances that had raised over 1.39 trillion dollar since 2017 for critical road projects across the country.
“The proposed Sukuk may be issued with or without a credit enhancement guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) — member of the Islamic Development Bank Group
“Under the plan, up to 25 per cent of the proceeds could be used to refinance high-cost government debts, while the balance will fund pre-identified infrastructure projects,” he said.
Tinubu assured that the refinancing of the maturing 1.118 billion dollar Eurobonds due in November was a standard practice in global debt management, aimed at avoiding default and maintaining market credibility.
He affirmed the willingness of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office to collaborate with transaction advisers to ensure the most favourable market terms and conditions at the time of issuance. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking the approval of plans by the Federal Government to raise 2.34 billion dollar in external capital. The News Agency
ACF BoT Chair Condemns Alleged Deliberate Sabotage of Dangote Refinery
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, has condemned what he described as the deliberate sabotage of the Dangote Refinery.
Speaking at the meeting of the BoT held on Tuesday, in Kaduna, he said the ongoing crisis at the newly completed facility was “deeply unfathomable and unacceptable.”
Dalhatu accused “unpatriotic unions backed by hidden cabals” of trying to destroy a strategic national asset.
He said, “These people must be told in no uncertain terms that they are working on behalf of the enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians, the living and the generations yet unborn.
He called on the federal government to take urgent and decisive action to defend the refinery, which he described as a symbol of economic hope.
He also commended the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies for the fight against insurgency and banditry in the North.
Dalhatu said the ACF “remained deeply grateful to men and women in uniform who risk and lose their lives to keep the region and the country safe.”
He, however, urged the military high command to continue reviewing its strategies to reduce casualties and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Dalhatu also expressed serious concern over recent incidents where senior ACF officials at both national and state levels issued conflicting statements to the media.
He said, “The ACF today stands in great need of a firm protocol that should guide and regulate the manner in which officials speak about our affairs.”
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Silver Jubilee celebration of the forum, scheduled to hold in Kaduna from November 20 to 22, 2025.
According to Dalhatu, the celebration will mark a major milestone for the ACF and serve as an opportunity to reposition it for future impact.
The meeting also noted the proliferation of parallel groups in northern Nigeria and warned
warned that the creation of splinter organisations with similar objectives to the ACF was undermining the unity and voice of the region.
“Our strength lies in our unity, in pooling resources together and in speaking with one voice on all matters affecting our people,” Dalhatu said.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dalhatu reaffirmed the forum’s strict non-partisan stance, even as individual members may hold political affiliations.
He said, “Although ACF members may belong to political parties of their choice, as an organization, ACF is politically non-partisan and would not support one party over the other.”
He added that the forum will continue to advocate for viable democracy, good governance, and the unity of Nigeria.
By John Shiklam in Kaduna The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, has condemned what he described as the deliberate