Seyi Makinde questions Tinubu’s Saudi prayer trip and criticises new borrowing

Author: Ayobami OkerindePublished on: October 29, 2026Country: Nigeria
PoliticsBusiness & Economy
Seyi Makinde questions Tinubu’s Saudi prayer trip and criticises new borrowing

At an APM town hall in Enugu on Thursday, Seyi Makinde criticised Bola Tinubu’s planned trip to Makkah to pray for Nigeria, saying prayer should be accompanied by transparency about the economy. He questioned the government’s request for more foreign borrowing despite claims of rising reserves and revenue above target; Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a plan of about $20.52 billion and €1.045 billion. Makinde said businesses lack long-term financing and instead rely on short-term credit at interest rates of about 25%, which he argued holds back manufacturing and job creation.

Stay informed with NewsBoulevard

Get the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Related News

Tinubu defends borrowing plans, says investments will expand opportunities for future generations
Business & EconomyPoliticsNigeria
Johnbosco Agbakwuru•

Tinubu defends borrowing plans, says investments will expand opportunities for future generations

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu defended new loans from international institutions and banks, arguing that their value should be judged by the infrastructure and economic benefits they create. He cited the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry and Trans-Sahara highways, electricity-grid upgrades and modernised Lagos ports, alongside investments in health, education and vocational training. Tinubu said the Lagos-Calabar highway could cut logistics costs along its route by 15 to 20 per cent, add up to 2 per cent to GDP and create about 100,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs. He linked infrastructure investment to his goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, saying real GDP growth reached 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026 and inflation fell to 14.63 per cent in September.

Read More

Stay Updated with NewsBoulevard

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox